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1 

Sii^^'«S«*ife«»»«'^''**'^*™^'*''" 


m^jm 


tails 

du 
Ddifier 

une 
mage 


rrata 
to 


psiure, 
nd 


n 


32X 


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1 

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3 

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1  2  3 

4  5  6 


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THB 


ADVENTURES  OF  A  YANKEE; 


OR 


THE  8JXOULAR  LIFE 


OF 


JOHN    LEDYARD; 


WITH   AH   ACCOCKT  OF  HIS   VOTAOB    ROCWJ}  THE    WORLD   WITH   THr. 
CIj^LEBR&TKD 

CAPTAIN   COOKE. 


DESIGNED   FOR  YOUTH. 


•BY  A  YANKEE. 


# 


OSTON:  CARTEE,  H 


ENSEE,  AND   T^AOCK. 
1831. 


^fallWh.iliii-'ii|-.i-i.irtMiir-rtl1illiiilf,iiW»Mfirtt^ 


*   V  » 


•  -.•-•-^ 


./:'^^ 


Carter,  Andrew,,  8i  Co.  EBgr»T«r..,  Printer.,  «„U  Binders. 


'^:i'iMiimiimmK»mtimimii  iitim-fc 


i- 


^•*v . 


r 

TO 


r 
CO 


t 


A? 


INTRODUCTION, 


:  ntrrn; 


1.  Most  of  my  readers,  I  presume,  have 
heard  of  the  Yankees,  and  many  of  them,  no 
doubt,  know  who  are  called  by  this  name. 
The  people  of  New-England  bear  this  name, 
which  was  given  to  them  many  years  since. 
The  occgisiop  w<»it^h  gave  rise  to  the  name  was 

'  2.  On  the  arrival  of  the  English  in  the 
country,  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  were  found 
scattered  over  the  land.  They  had  never  seen 
any  white  people  before  ;  and  were  anxious  to 
iknow  whence  they  had  come,  and  by  what 
name  they  were  called.  The  new  settlers 
informed  the  Indians  that  they  came  from 
[England,  and  vyf  re  called  "  English." 


mmvmmMntmm 


Mummimmlibaifim 


I 


w 


INTRODUCTION. 


3.  This  latter  word  the  Indians  found  it 
difficult  to  pronounce.  It  is  always  difficult 
for  the  people  of  one  conntry  to  pronounce 
correctly  the  language  of  another  country ; 
and  when  the  Indians  attempted  to  pronounce 
the  word  English,  they  could  get  no  nearer  to 
it  than  to  call  it  Yang-hees. 

4.  A  short  time  before  the  English  began 
the  settlement  of  New-England,  a  party  of 
Dutch  came  over  from  Holland  and  began  a 
settlement  in  New-York.  They  soon  hearj^ 
of  the  arrrival  of  the  English,  and  were  mudh 
displeased.  They  wished  the  whole  country 
to  themselves.  Hence,  they  btecame  quite 
unfriendly  to  their  new  neighbours;  affected 
to  despise  them,  and  did  many  things  which 
were  calculated  to  injure  them.  At  several 
different  times  they  secretly  soured  the  Indians 
against  them,  and  when  the  latter  called  the 
English    Yang-hees,   the   Dutch,  by  way  of 


mBtMUf.im 


ians  found  it 
kvays  difficult 
to  pronounce 
tier  country ; 
to  pronounce 
t  no  nearer  to 

Inglish  began 
I,  a  party  of 
and  began  a 
y  soon  hearjjf 
id  were  mudfi 
/vhole  country 
btecame  quite 
)urs;  affected 
things  which 
.  At  several 
ed  the  Indians 
ter  called  the 
I,  by  way  of 


mm 


INTRODUCTION. 


ridicule,  called  them  Yaung-hees,  or  Yankees, 
also.  Such  was  the  origin  of  the  name,  which 
the  people  of  New-England  have  boru  to  this 
day. 

5.  It  is,  however,  a  good  name,  though 
sometimes  used  by  way  of  ridicule.  What 
people  are  more  intelligent,  more  brave,  more 
virtuous  than  the  Yankees  ?  What  spot  on 
the  globe  boasts  of  greater  privileges  than 
New-England  ?  What  more  illustrious  names 
can  be  named  than  those  who  first  settled  the 
country  ?  Who  can  tell  of  nobler  names  than 
Franklin,  and  Sherman,  and  Ellsworth,  and 
Edwards,  and  Dwight  ? — all  Yankees — and  to 
the  might-be-added  hundreds  of  others,  eminent 
for  their  talents,  their  learning,  their  patriotism, 
their  benevolence,  their  piety. 

6.  Where,  too,  live  a  people  more  distin- 
guished for  their  enterprise?  Look  at  their 
industry  at  home  ;  at  their  adventures  abroad. 


*'—**^'—°*"-''*^"-~«"^''^^^'--"—-*'^-""-"''-'''— "-'•'•' -'^'^ — *^*-^ 


miaemiauaiimii 


VI 


INTRODUCTION. 


Their  ships  sail  on  every  ocean ;  their  mer- 
chants are  found  in  every  country,  and  their 
travellers  have  visited  every  clime. 

7.  This  brings  me  to  announce  to  my  readers 
the  object  of  the  present  work — to  relate  the 
adventures  of  the  famous  John  Ledyard. 
His  life  was  a  succession  of  hopes  and  disap- 
])ointments.  No  man  ever  had  nobler  plans  ; 
none  greater  enterprise.  He  smiled  at  danger ; 
and  was  superior  to  those  calamities  which  bear 
down  and  even  crush  men  of  more  ordinary 
minds.  'i'Ui  i  iuUm  •-■■ 

8.  Ledyard  has  b«'en  called,  by  way  of  dis- 
tinction, "  The  American  Traveller."  We  have 
given  him  the  more  appropriate  title  of  "  The 
Yankee  Traveller ;"  and  were  he  living,  who 
believes  that  he  would  despise  the  name  ? 


'in  ■ 

•ii  Mh    \u   A 


Ux^mbn 


ir*"1"iiff-tfTt''fii  '    -  •■  ■ ' 


n ;  their  mer- 
\tty,  and  their 
le. 

to  in}'  readers 
-to  relate  the 
IN  Ledyard. 
les  and  disap- 
nobler  plans ; 
led  at  danger ; 
les  which  bear 
nore  ordinary 

y  way  of  dis- 
er."  We  have 
title  of  "  The 
\ie  living,  who 
le  name  ? 
> 

4f  niH«i>ui 


ajN»#  i»*.»  mnou  ' 
.i^hi^.JOHN    LEDYARD. 


j  CHAPTER   I. 

\  Early  Jb\f'c. 

I  1.  John  Ledyabd,  about  whose  wonderful  life  I  am 
ioing  to  write,  was  born  in  tlie  year  1751.  His  native 
ilace  was  Groton,  a  small  village  in  Connecticut,  on  the 
Ijanks  of  the  River  Thames,  opposite  to  New- London, 
'fhe  place  of  his  birth  is  but  a  short  distance  from  Fort 
(rriswold,  in  which,  perhaps,  my  readers  know,  n  great 
ilumber  of  American  soldiers  were  cruelly  slain,  during 
t  le  war  of  the  revolution,  by  order  of  that  famous  ti-aitor, 
Benedict  Arnold.     Colonel  William  Ledyard,  the  com- 


iiMim<ifflki'i — vTtytiiiiii<r'ni-ti"iiiitiftTvitiiHrTiiii-i-iiriViaii>tirii^^ 


i 


IWWltVfiT 


»W>«;{Kwyf»!-^-:>r»^,.,  |,^  „.^.  ^  p 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 

inandei  of  the  Fort  at  that  time,  was  the  uncle  of  John, 
and  was  most  wickedly  killed  by  a  British  officer,  who 
plunged  a  sword  into  his  bosom. 

2.  The  grandfather  of  John,  about  whom  I  must  say 
a  few  words,  was  a  native  of  England,  where  he  was 
bred  a  merchant.  At  length,  however,  he  removed  to 
America,  and  for  a  time,  lived  on  Long-Island.  After- 
wards he  removed  to  Groton,  and  at  a  still  later  date,  to 
the  city  of  Hartford,  where  he  ended  his  days. 

3.  The  father  of  John,  who  bors  the  same  name, 
early  followed  the  sea ;  and,  at  length,  became  the  captain 
of  a  vessel,  engaged  in  the  West-India  trade.  He  was 
a  man  of  good  character,  and  industrious  habits.  Unfor- 
tunately for  his  family,  bo  died  at  the  early  age  of  thirty- 
five,  leaving  John,  with  several  other  children,  destitute 
of  the  wise  counsel  and  good  example  of  a  worthy  father., 

4.  It  is  generally  a  serious  misfortune  to  a  youth  toj 
lose  a  father,  qualified  and  disposed  to  bring  up  a  son  to 
habits  of  virtue  and  industry.  Such  an  event  often  chan- 
ges the  whole  prospect  and  course  of  life  of  a  young  man, 

Happy  indeed  is  it,  when  a  mother  is  able  to  supply 
the  place  of  a  father.  * 

5.  This  was  eminently  the  case  ivith  Mrs.  Ledyard, 
the  mother  of  John.    She  was  well  informed,  resolute, 


lilfirtTl^lrliiiiilWWMIldrTrifniMntintfr-il'irrMir'i  it  f,''^--'"^"*— — ■  '-  ^■^^>^■  *.^^.rt.^.^- 


he  uncle  of  John, 
ritish  officer,  who 

whom  I  must  say 
id,  where  he  was 
sr,  he  removed  to 
ng-Island.  After- 
.  still  later  date,  to 
lis  days. 

the  same  name, 
)ecame  the  captain 
I  trade.  He  was 
js  habits.  Unfor- 
!arly  age  of  thirty- 
children,  destitute 
of  a  worthy  father.i 
me  to  a  youth  toj 

bring  up  a  son  t(^ 
1  event  often  chan-* 
fe  of  a  young  man. 

is  able  to  supply 

th  Mrs.  Ledyard, 
nformed,  resolute, 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


© 


generous,  amiable,  and  kind ;  and,  more  than  all,  she  was 
truly  pious.  Such  a  mother  all  fatherless  children  have 
not ;  but  those  who  are  thus  blessed  cannot  be  sufficiently 
thankful.  A  well  informed,  discreet,  and  pious  mother 
is  among  the  greatest  blessings  which  heaven  bestows  on 
children.  I  love  to  dwell  upon  the  character  of  such  a 
woman.  I  love  to  think  of  her.  I  love  to  speak  of  her  * 
virtues,  and  to  recommend  her  example. 

6.  Such  a  mother  had  John  Ledyard.  By  some 
means,  now  unknown,  soon  after  the  death  of  her  hus- 
band, Mrs.  Ledyard  was  deprived  of  the  little  property 
left  for  her  support,  and  that  of  her  children.  This  was 
a  severe  trial.  Her  children,  three  sons  and  a  daughter, 
were  still  small,  and  now  she  had  no  means  of  supporting 
them.  Yet,  under  her  trials,  she  was  humble,  patient> 
and  resigned.  Fortunately,  her  father  was  still  living 
on  Long-Island,  and  under  his  hospitable  roof  she  took 
refuge,  with  her  little  family. 

7.  Years  rolled  by,  and,  as  they  passed,  contributed 
to  the  age  and  stature  of  John,  His  mother  marked 
this  increasing  stature  of  his  person  and  the  expansion 
of  his  mmd,  with  anxiety.  He  had  reached  an  age  to, 
receive  impressions,  and  such  Jrapres§iQos  as  would  lastv 


Tillll  I'^fiHHili    I 


II  itTKtlH  itMtliMI.  I 


iitiliifiiiK  II hi 


1 1  II  HI  Minitfi«iaMalM<— Hi 


mmim 


10 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


It  was  his  forming  periorl.  Slie  felt  anxious,  as  a  tender 
mother  always  feels,  that  a  right  direction  should  be  given 
to  his  thoughts  and  pursuits.  It  was  her  daily  prayer, 
that  he  might  escape  the  temptations  which  bring  thou- 
sands to  ruin. 

8.  The  life  of  John  Ledyard  is  one  of  the  most  ex- 
traordinary ever  recorded.  He  proved  to  be  a  singular 
man — singular  for  his  love  of  adventure,  and  singular  for 
his  courage  and  fortitude.  Few  men  ever  passed  over 
so  many  regions  of  the  globe  ;  few  ever  met  with  more 
crosses  and  disappointments,  or  endured  more  sufl^ering. 
YoV,  be  it  recorded  to  his  praise,  he  seems  ever  to  have 
remembered  his  mother  with  an  uncommon  tenderness 
and  filial  affection.  Her  image  always  came  to  him 
with  a  beam  of  joy.  It  lightened  his  heavy  heart,  where 
ever  he  was,  whether  wading  amidst  the  frozen  snow  of 
Siberia,  or  panting  amidst  tlie  burning  sands  of  Africa. 


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up 
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■f-rrTi.rfl  iir<wrfirna-.'?rii»hT>rt('iirmlniTliiii^flrt<>i  ifr   iflf  T  i    finM  1  iili^ 


ixious,  as  a  tender 
m  should  be  given 
lier  daily  prayer, 
which  bring  thou- 

!  of  the  most  ex- 
;d  to  be  a  singular 
e,  and  singular  for 
ever  passed  over 
it  met  with  more 
ed  more  sufl^ering. 
;ems  ever  to  have 
immon  tenderness 
jys  came  to  him 
eavy  heart,  where 
he  frozen  snow  of 
sands  of  Africa. 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


11 


CHAPTER   II. 

College  Days. 
'l.  The  worthy  mother  of  John  had  resided  on  Jjong- 
Island  some  years,  when  she  was  a  second  time  married  ; 
upon  which  event,  she  sent  him  to  Hartford,  to  live  witli 
his  grandfather.  Here  he  attended  the  grammar  scliool, 
where,  it  is  said,  he  applied  himself  to  his  studies  witli 
commendable  diligence.  But  even  at  this  time,  he  was 
considered  quite  a  strange  lad.  He  was  unusually  fond 
6f  adventure ;  and  although  I  know  not  that  he  was 
vicious  or  ugly,  he  was  wild  and  frolicksome. 


rfift.1\ni  ■  f irt«i*MliV'rf 


a-tmvwmw»iMi*  ^iiiiiiiiilii. 


'irinjniimr'rwiiii 


^mumtmm 


l.'H.njiJJ 


12 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


2.  Having  finished  the  usual  course  at  the  grammar 
school,  John  was  entered  as  a  student  in  the  law  office 
of  Mr.  Thomas  Seymour,  a  respectable  lawyer  of  Hart- 
ford, who  had  married  his  aunt.  Here  he  spent  several 
months.  But  law  books  had  no  charms  foe  him.  Of 
course,  he  made  but  little  progress  in  the  study  of  the 
profession,  and  soon  after  abandoned  it.  ;a' 

3.  But,  now,  what  should  he  do^  What  business 
should  he  pursue  ?  This  was  a  difficult  point  to  decide. 
We  have  already  hinted  at  some  of  his  peculiarities, 
particularly  his  love  of  what  had  difficulty  and  danger 
attending  it.  He  longed  for  something  promising  suc- 
cess only  through  toil  and  suffering  deeds  of  courage 
and  the  most  resolute  efforts.  Such  was  the  bent  of  John 
Ledyard. 

4.  And  such  being  his  bent,  it  was  difficult,  in  a  mo- 
ment, to  find  precisely  the  business  which  would  suit  his 
wishes.  He  was  now  nineteen  years  of  age,  with  scarcely 
any  property,  and  with  but  few  friends.  In  these  circum- 
stances, it  seemed  necessary  to  do  something  for  himself, 
and  to  set  about  it  immediately, 

5.  While  in  this  state  of  doubt,  it  so  happened  that 
Dr.  Wbeelock,  the  founder  of  Dartmouth  College,  came 


to 

g' 
n; 

s< 

Ii 

S( 

a1 
a 
a 

SI 

I 

a 
h 


i»^ffii»MB>iflBidaili*i» 


«Mi 


se  at  the  grammar 
(It  in  the  law  office 
ble  lawyer  of  Hart- 
ire  he  spent  several 
arms  foi*  him.  Of 
in  the  study  of  the 
it. 

>^  What  business 
ult  point  to  decide. 
)f  his  peculiarities, 
ifHculty  and  danger 
hing  promising  suc- 
;  deeds  of  courage 
vas  the  bent  of  John 

!  difficult,  in  a  mo- 
vhich  would  suit  his 
af  age,  with  scarcely 
I.  In  these  circum- 
metbing  for  himself, 

It  so  happened  that 
louth  College,  came 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


tm 


to  Hartford.  He  was  the  particular  friend  of  Ledyard's 
grandfather.  The  good  Doctor  invited  John  to  accompa- 
ny him  to  Hanover,  in  New-Hampshire,  to  study  in  his 
school,  and  to  be  qualified  as  a  missionary,  among  the 
Indians. 

6.  I  must  tell  my  readers  something  more  of  this 
school  of  Dr.  Wheelock.  It  had  now  been  established 
about  two  years.  It  was  designed  to  prepare  mission- 
aries to  preach  to  the  Indians.  They  were  heathen, 
and  had  never  heard  of  the  Bible,  nor  of  the  way  of 
salvation  by  the  Son  of  God.  The  benevolent  heart  of 
Dr.  Wheelock  was  filled  with  concern  for  them ;  and, 
at  his  own  expense,  he  opened  a  school,  in  his  own 
house.  This  was  the  beginning  of  Dartmouth  College. 
At  first,  he  had  only  two  pupils,  one  of  whom  was 
Sampson  Oncum,  an  Indian  of  the  Mohegan  tribe. 
As  a  preacher,  Occum  afterwards  became  very  cele- 
brated ;  he  visited  England,  and  obtained  considerable 
money  for  the  school  of  Dr.  Wheelock. 

7.  John  accompanied  Dr.  Wheelock  to  Hanover,  and 
entered  his  school.  To  this  course  he  was  prompted, 
in  part,  by  the  wishes  of  his  good  mother.     She  was,  as 


•■UHIMHHM 


14 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


i 


I! 


has  been  noticed,  a  religious  woman,  and  felt  a  strong 
compassion  for  the  unenlightened  Indians.  Besides,  she 
bad  an  exalted  sense  of  the  honour  altaciied  to  a  iniiii- 
ble  and  devoted  missionary.  It  was  the  sunnnit  of  her 
wishes  to  see  her  son  teaching  to  the  "  red  men"  of  the 
woods,  the  truths  of  the  gospel. 

8.  Ledyard  was  disposed,  no  doubt,  to  plense  his  mo- 
ther, especially  as  the  contemplated  course  of  lite  gave 
promise  of  adventure,  among  the  sons  of  the  forest. 
Hanover,  whither  he  was  going,  was  about  140  miles 
from  Hartford.  The  country  was  wild  and  thinly  in- 
habited. The  savages  were  untamed  and  veteran  war- 
riors. They  could  tell  of  battles  with  other  tribes,  and 
of  fights  whh  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forests-  These  ideas 
were  pleasant  to  the  strange  mind  of  Ledyard. 

9.  At  length,  Ledyard  set  out  for  Hanover ;  but  he 
made  an  odd  appearance  on  his  journey.  Instead  of 
going  on  horseback,  he  procured  an  old  and  worn  out 
sulky,  which  he  loaded  down  with  a  large  quantity  of 
calico.  This  he  designed  for  curtains  for  a  theatre,  which 
he  intended  to  fit  up  at  Hanovor,  for  the  purpose  of  ex- 
hibiting plays.     This  was  a  strange  project  in  one  who 


1,  and  felt  a  strong 
dians.  Besides,  she 
altacii8d  to  a  iniiii- 
)  the  summit  of  her 
3  "  red  men"  of  the 

ibt,  to  plense  his  mo- 
course  of  life  gave 
sons  of  tlie  forest, 
as  about  140  miles 
wild  and  thinly  in- 
id  and  veteran  wor- 
th other  tribes,  and 
irests.  These  ideas 
f  Ledyard. 
r  Hanover;  but  he 
jurney.  Instead  of 
I  old  and  worn  out 
a  large  quantity  of 
s  for  a  theatre,  which 
'  the  purpose  of  ex- 
project  in  one  who 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


m 


designed  to  be  a  missionary  of  the  cross.  Wonderful 
indeed  was  it  that  he  ever  reached  Hanover  in  safety. 
The  roads  were  new,  narrow,  and  exceedingly  rt)ugh. 
No  bridges  had  yet  been  erected  over  the  streams.  Yet 
the  crazy  vehicle  of  Ledyard  held  out,  and  was  the  first 
of  the  kind  ever  seen  on  Dartmouth  plain. 
.  10.  As  to  the  college  life  of  young  Ledyard,  we  have 
little  that  is  honourable  to  record.  As  a  scholar,  he  was 
respectable  ;  but  he  submitted  to  the  rules  of  the  college 
reluctantly.  Confinement  he  loved  not,  nor  the  dull 
round,  as  he  considered  it,  of  college  duties.  We  must 
not  say  that  he  appeared  at  any  time  openly  rebellions ; 
but  it  was  apparent  that  he  disliked  even  salutary  control. 
An  instance  is  related  of  the  bad  manner  in  which  he 
sometimes  performed  his  duty  as  a  student.  The  college 
in  those  days  had  no  bell  to  call  the  students  together, 
but  only  a  conch-shell,  and  this,  it  was  a  part  of  the  duty 
of  the  fr  jshmen  to  blow  in  turn.  The  turn  of  Ledyard 
at  length  came.  He  took  it,  indeed,  but  it  was  almost 
too  much  for  his  proud  spirit  to  blow  it.  He  did  blow 
upon  it ;  but  the  broken,  and  grating,  and  groaning  sounds, 
wliich  he  designedly  made,  showed  too  well  how  reluc- 
tantly he  performed  the  duty. 


1 


J 


Tmsa 


m 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


11.  Soon  after  he  was  settled  in  his  new  abode,  Led- 
yard  bethought  him  of  his  intended  theatre.  A  rude 
stage  was  accordingly  fitted  up ;  the  calico  was  brought 
out,  and  hung  round,  in  due  form ;  and  here,  with  the 
assistance  of  his  fellow-students,  several  tragedies  were 
acted,  no  doubt  in  a  comical  style.  But,  as  they  served 
to  introduce  some  variety  into  their  dull  course  of  life, 
they  were  often  repeated,  sometin)es  to  the  neglect  of 
the  more  appropriate  duties  of  the  college. 

12.  Scarcely  had  Ledyard  been  at  Hanover  four 
months,  when  suddenly  and  secretly  he  disappeared. 
His  restless  spirit  could  no  longer  be  contented.  Al- 
though it  was  a  mystery  whither  he  had  fled,  it  after- 
ward appeared  that  be  boldly  went  forth  into  the  forest ; 
and,  through  the  wilderness,  directed  his  course  towards 
the  borders  of  Canada.  During  his  wanderings,  he  vis- 
ited several  Indian  tribes,  whose  language  he  so  far  ac- 
quired as  to  serve  him  an  important  purpose,  in  his  trav- 
els in  subsequent  years,  among  different  savage  tribes,  in 
various  parts  of  the  world. 

13.  At  the  end  of  three  months  and  a  half,  Ledyard 
again  made  his  appearance  at  Hanover,  and  resumed  his 
studies.     But  his  missionary  ardour  no  longer  existed. 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


m 


his  new  abode,  Led- 
id  theatre.  A  rude 
I  calico  was  brought 

and  here,  with  the 
'eral  tragedies  were 

But,  as  they  served 

dull  course  of  life, 
Bs  to  the  neglect  of 
oUege. 

n  at  Hanover  four 
tly  he  disappeared. 

be  contented.  Al- 
e  had  fled,  it  after- 
forth  into  the  forest ; 
d  his  course  towards 
I  wanderings,  he  vis- 
iguage  he  so  far  ac- 
purpose,  in  his  trav- 
rent  savage  tribes,  in 

H  ■ 

and  a  half,  Ledyard 

k^er,  and  resumed  bis 

'  no  longer  existed. 


He  had  seen  the  Indians,  and  perhaps  was  impressed 
with  the  difficulty  of  imparting  religious  instruction  to 
them ;  at  least,  the  conviction  seems  to  have  settled  up- 
on his  mind  that  he  was  not  fitted  for  such  an  undertaking. 

14.  Ledyard  judged  correctly.  He  uxu  unfitted  by 
nature  for  a  life  of  missionary  toil  and  self-denial.  He 
knew  too  little  of  the  gospel,  and  was  too  unsteady  in 
his  views  and  purposes.  Success  would  never  have 
crowned  his  labors,  and  he  wisely  relinquished  the  pro- 
ject. 

15.  He  now  became  weary  also  with  the  confinement 
of  a  college  life.  He  studied  little,  and  paid  still  less 
attention  to  the  salutary  rules  of  the  institution.  This 
neglect  brought  upon  him  the  just  censure  of  the  presi- 
dent. The  admoniUons  he  received  he  took  unkindly, 
and  now  meditated  an  escape. 

16.  Accordingly,  he  laid  his  plan ;  and,'  without  ex- 
citing tlje  suspicions  even  of  his  fellow-students,  he  pre- 
pared <n  put  it  in  execution.  The  college  was  situated 
on  the  margin  of  the  Connecticut  River,  lining  the  banks 
of  which  were  several  towering  forest-trees.  One  of 
thes(«  Ledyard  felled,  and  from  it  constructed  a  canoe 

3 


mm 


18 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


fifty  feet  long  and  three  feet  wide.  In  tills  task,  and  it 
was  by  no  means  a  small  one,  he  was  assisted  by  several 
of  his  fellow-students.  Litde  did  they  imagine  what  was 
working  in  Ledyard's  mind. 

17.  The  canoe  was  at  length  completed,  was  launch- 
ed, was  prepared  for  a  voyage.  The  heart  of  Ledyard 
beat  high  with  joy  as  he  unfastened  his  canoe,  one 
evening,  and  amidst  the  silence  of  the  night,  secretly  set 
forth  in  quest  of  adventure.  This  was  u  bold  step.  He 
was  unacquainted  with  the  navigation  of  the  river — how 
then  should  he  manage  his  canoe  amidst  its  rapids,  its  cur- 
rents, and  its  falls  ? 

18.  The  heart  of  Ledyard,  however,  was  strong ;  he 
feared  uo  danger;  he  delighted  in  what  was  difficult 
and  hazardous  to  accomplish.  He  had  stocked  his  canoe 
with  provisions ;  and,  as  a  shield  from  the  damps  of  the 
night,  he  had  provided  himself  with  a  large  bear-skin. 
Thus  equipped,  he  took  leave  of  Dartmouth,  and  amidst 
surrounding  solitude  floated  down  the  river.  As  occasion 
required,  he  employed  his  paddles,  and  thus  through 
iftany  a  mile  and  many  a  league  of  wilderness,  he  pur- 
sued his  solitary  way..  On  the  approach  of  night  he 


In  this  task,  and  it 
assisted  by  several 
|r  imagine  what  was 

)leted,  waslaunch- 
I  heart  of  Ledyard 
d  his  canoe,  one 
I  night,  secretly  set 
IS  u  bold  step.  He 
of  the  river — how 
St  its  rapids,  its  cur- 
ler, was  strong ;  he 
what  was  difficult 
d  stocked  his  canoe 
I  the  damps  of  the 
a  large  bear-skin, 
tmouth,  and  amidst 
iver.  As  occasion 
and  thus  through 
rilderness,  he  pur- 
roach  of  night  he 


fastened  his  canoe  to  the  shore,  and  in  its  cnvlty  sank  to 
sleep,  witlimit  fcnr  or  molestntion. 

19.  At  length  he  nppronrhed  Bellow  '  Falls.  The 
river  here  becomes  narrow,  and  the  waters  are  forced 
with  great  power  down  n  steep  le(lj!;o  of  rocks.  At  the 
moment  of  approach  he  was  deeply  engaged,  reading 
either  in  his  Greek  Testament  or  in  Ovid,  a  Latin 
author.  Suddenly,  the  rush  of  the  waters  arrested  his 
attention.  The  speed  of  his  canoe  was  like  that  of  a  war- 
horse.  The  rapids  were  just  before  him,  and  destruc- 
tion was  in  the  passage.  A  bold  effort  was  required, 
and  even  that  might  prove  ineffectual.  He  seissed  his 
paddles ;  he  braced  his  feet ;  he  nerved  his  arm ;  and, 
with  desperate  effort,  turned  the  bead  of  his  boat  to  the 
shore.  He  sailed  on  the  brink  of  death.  What  will  not 
coolness  and  undaunted  courage,  mingled  with  strength, 
accomplish !  His  canoe  plunged  upon  the  shore  and 
Ledyard  escaped  a  watery  grave.       '  '"' 

20.  He  was  himself  surprised  that  he  had  thus  es- 
caped. But  the  inhabitants,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
falls,  were  still  more  surprised.  They  regarded  him 
with  wonder ;  and  wondered  still  more  at  his  achieve- 


^0  JOHN    LEDYARD. 

ment.  A  difTiculty  now  occurred.  His  canoe  was  above 
the  falls,  and  on  the  shore.  By  what  means  could  it 
bo  got  below  ?  The  farmers  of  the  neighbourhood 
readily  tendered  him  their  nssistance,  and  by  means  of 
a  long  train  of  oxen,  drew  it  round  tlie  falls  and  again 
safely  launched  it  on  its  more  appropriate  element. 
Ledyard  thanked  the  wondering  inhabitants,  again  em- 
barked, and  proceeded  on  his  way. 

21.  We  will  not  detain  our  readers  with  several  other 
hair-breadth  escapes,  during  tlie  voyage.  The  sequel 
shall  sufiice.  One  morning — it  was  a  bright  morning  in 
tlie  Spring,  and  just  as  the  sun  was  rising — some  of  Mr. 
Seymour's  family  were  standing  on  the  high  bank  of  the 
little  river  that  runs  through  the  city  of  Hartford,  and 
which  flows  into  the  Connecticut.  They  descried  some- 
tliing  at  a  distance  slowly  moving  up  the  stream.  What 
could  it  be?  Others  were  called;  but  the  wonder 
increased.  At  length,  it  neared  the  shore  opposite  the 
house.  It  was  now  perceived  to  be  a  canoe.  Some 
one  leaped  from  the  stern  of  the  boat  to  the  shore,  threw 
from  him  a  bear-skin,  in  wliich  he  had  been  concealed, 
and  approached  the  house.    Judge  the  surprise  when 


His  canoe  was  above 
lat  means  could  it 
tiie  neighbourhood 
!,  and  by  means  of 
I  tlie  falls  and  again 
tpropriate  element, 
mbitants,  again  em- 

s  with  several  other 
tyage.  The  sequel 
a  bright  morning  in 
rising — some  of  Mr. 
the  high  bank  of  the 
y  of  Hartford,  and 
rhey  descried  some- 

the  stream.  What 
I;  but  the  wonder 
le  shore  opposite  the 
be  a  canoe.  Some 
X  to  the  shore,  threw 
lad  been  concealed, 

the  surprise  when 


JOHN    LKDYARD. 

John  Ledyard  stood  in  the  presence  of  his  uncle  nnd  the 
family.  No  intelligence  had  reached  them  of  his  having 
left  Dartmouth ;  but  until  this  moment  of  explanation 
they  supposed  that  he  was  in  the  walls  of  the  college, 
fitting  himself  to  become  a  missionary  among  the 
Indiana. 


'"!u"mri«ituu)tim0im 


MmOM 


32 


JOHN   LEDVARD. 


J-  \    ^  .  : 


CHAPTER     III. 

Voyage  to  England. 
1 .  Thus  ended  the  voyage  of  John  Ledyard  down 
the  Connecticut ;  and  witli  it  ended  all  his  plans  res- 
])ecting  a  collegiate  education,  and  a  missionary  life. 
We  next  find  him  pursuing  the  study  of  divinity,  and 
preparing  liimself  to  become  a  parish  minister.  But  his 
studies  here,  also,  were  of  short  duration.  He  was  not, 
indeed,  fitted  for  the  profession,  and  it  was  well,  upon 
the   whole,    that  he   did  not   enter   upon   its  sacred 


Tiiti.i/11  -iinrfi*iito,*iin:.j.,a ...» 


D. 


[II. 

nd. 

ohn  Ledyard  down 
d  all  his  plans  res- 
1  a  niissionaiy  life. 
;udy  of  divinity,  and 
h  minister.  But  his 
ation.  He  was  not, 
i  it  was  well,  upon 
3r   upon   its  sacred 


[iliiifiiHimiii  ihlT  litiii 


JOHN    LEDYARD.  Jfff 

duties.  Several  clergymen,  to  whom  he  made  ap- 
plication, as  delicately  as  they  were  able,  declined 
giving  him  a  license  to  preach ;  upon  which,  with  dis- 
gust, he  relinquished  the  project  of  becoming  a  min- 
ister. 

2.  Our  readers  must  not  suppose,  however,  tliat  the 
conduct  of  John  Ledyard  was  vicious.  This  was  not  his 
fault.  But  there  was  a  certain  wildness  and  impetuosity, 
and  we  may  add  an  inconsistency,  in  his  character  which 
would  have  diminished,  if  not  destroyed,  his  usefulness 
in  the  sacred  cause. 

3.  Within  a  few  weeks  after  relinquishing  the  above 
purpose,  he  entered  himself  as  a  sailor,  on  board  a  ves- 
sel bound  to  Gibraltar.  Although  he  served  in  the 
capacity  of  a  common  sailor,  by  his  good  humor  and 
friendly  manners  he  soon  gained  the  esteem  of  Captain 
Deshon,  by  whom  he  was  treated  more  as  a  companion 
than  as  a  common  sailor. 

4.  Not  long  after  the  vessel  had  arrived  in  Gibraltar, 
and  while  she  was  yet  lying  in  that  place,  Ledyard  be- 
came uneasy  and  restless.  The  confinement  wore  upon 
him.    At  lengtli  he  suddenly  and  secretly  abandoned 


1 


fMiiH<lii^i. Ill    11  iirrin«..i<.i  D.it  .      ■  <ti i  iirfi^n 


—  jMiiii  I"    • 


■MiMtriiiiMiili 


24 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


the  vessel,  nor  for  a  time  could  any  tidings  be  heard  of 
him.  Ledyard  had  found  his  way  to  the  barracks  of  the 
British  soldiers ;  had  already  enlisted  ;  and,  dressed  in 
British  uniform,  was  now  carrying  himself  with  all  the 
martial  air  of  one  of  his  Majesty's  soldiers.  Captain 
Deshon  succeeded,  however,  in  effecting  his  release, 
and  in  persuading  him  to  return  to  bis  duty. 

6  From  Gibraltar  the  vessel  proceeded  to  the  coast 
of  Barbary,  and  returned  home  by  the  way  of  the  West- 
Indies.  This  had  consumed  a  year  of  Ledyard's  life. 
It  had  yielded  no  pecuniary  profit,  and  he  soon  found 
himself  in  want,  and  dependent  upon  his  friends.  This 
was  a  trying  period.  He  possessed  a  proud  and  lofty 
spirit.  He  could  not  feel  willing  to  gain  a  livelihood  by 
common  means.  This  was  one  grand  defect  in  his  char- 
acter. It  is  ever  a  serious  injury  to  a  young  man  to  de- 
spise an  occupation  because  it  is  humble.  The  friends 
of  Ledyard  saw  this  defect  and  lamented.  But  it  per- 
tained so  strongly  to  his  nature  that  no  remedy  within 
their  reach  could  be  applied. 

6.  In  this  state  of  depression  and  despondency,  a 
prospect  of  better  things,  as  be  thought,  suddenly  present- 


ed 
of 
im 
lac 
no 
lor 
fro 
bo: 
wii 
int 

riv 

CO 

clc 
pu 
spl 
mc 
an( 
hir 
am 
an( 
Le 


•;  I  ml  run  0»ilil<iwm»r.!yh.<a.iii*»awh 


JOHI4   LEDYARD. 


25 


tidings  be  heard  of 
the  barracks  of  the 
id  ;  and,  dressed  in 
imself  with  all  the 
soldiers.  Captain 
beting  his  release, 
)  duty. 

seeded  to  the  coast 
3  way  of  the  West- 
of  Ledyard's  life, 
ind  he  soon  found 
his  friends.  This 
a  proud  and  lofty 
;ain  a  livelihood  by 
1  defect  in  his  char- 
young  man  to  de- 
ble.  The  friends 
nted.  But  it  per- 
no  remedy  within 

1  despondency,  a 
suddenly  present- 


ed itself  to  his  eye.  He  had  heard  his  grandfather  tell 
of  rich  relations  of  the  family  living  in  England.  His 
imagination  now  took  wing.  Could  he  but  reach  Eng« 
land— could  he  find  them — who  could  say  that  it  might 
not  be  a  passport  to  wealth  and  honor  ?  Hefwas  not 
long  in  forming  his  plan.  The  next  vessel  which  sailed 
from  New-York  to  England  had  John  Ledyard  on 
board,  working  his  passage  as  a  sailor,  without  money, 
without  a  single  acquaintance,  without  even  a  letter  of 
introduction — yet  full  of  hope  and  full  of  zeal. 

7.  As  he  entered  the  streets  of  London,  after  his  ar- 
rival, he  could  scarcely  have  been  distinguished  from  a 
common  beggar.  His  appearance  was  squalid,  and  his 
clothes  '*  all  tattered  and  tomV  By  accident,  and  it  was 
purely  accidental,  he  saw  one  day  his  family  name  on  a 
splendid  coach.  This  led  him  to  the  mansion  of  a  rich 
merchant,  who  belonged  to  the  family  from  which  his 
ancestors  sprung.  He  told  his  story,  but  they  believed 
him  not.  They  had  never  heard  of  relations  in  America, 
and  were  not  disposed  to  patronise  one  whose  appear- 
ance added  no  honor  to  the  family.  The  lofty  spirit  of 
Ledyard  was    fired.    His   integrity  was    impeached. 


26 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


Humbled  and  disgusted,  he  turned  indignant  from  the 
threshold,  nor  could  he  ever  be  induced  to  seek  assist- 
ance again  from  his  rich  London  relations. 


«t-   V. 


y 

d 
d 
t( 
h 

tl 


'i  i»'iliiiitfTl,iii^WM|-TA«ii***riitoxcft* 


RD.     • 

d  indignant  from  the 
iduced  to  seek  assist- 
elations. 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


27 


g^PPJf^l^:,- 

'^i^^    /P^- 

■  4    ifc 

CHAPTER    IV. 

Voyage  with  Captain  Cook  round  the  World.     Tene- 
.  riffe — Cape  of  Good  Hope — Van  Diemans  Land — 
JVew-Zealand. 

1.  Just  at  this  important  crisis  in  the  affairs  of  Led- 
yard — when  his  promised  success  had  vanished  like  a 
dream,  and  a  state  of  feeling  had  ensued  bordering  on 
desperation — at  this  critical  moment,  it  was  announced 
to  the  public  that  Captain  Cook  was  about  sailing  on 
his  third  voyage  round  the  world.  The  news  arrested 
tb9  attention  of  Ledyard.      No  project  could   more 


28 


JOHN  LEDYARD, 


accord  with  his  native  genius.  It  roused  the  spirit  of 
adventure  within  him ;  and,  at  a  time  when  poverty  was 
pressbg  upon  him,  and  assistance  from  friends  could  no 
longer  be  expected,  he  was  quite  ready  to  enlist  in  an 
enterprise,  which,  while  it  made  him  forget  home,  pre- 
sented an  opportunity  to  gratify  both  his  curiosity  and 
ambition. 

2.  He  soon  took  the  resolution  to  join  this  expedition, 
and  accordingly  enlisted  on  board  one  of  the  ships. 
This  led  the  way  to  an  introduction  to  Captain  Cook. 
Ledyard  was  peculiarly  fitted  for  an  enterprise  so  full  of 
hardship  and  peril.  The  sagacious  mind  of  Captain 
Cook  soon  discovered  the  heroic  qualities  of  Ledyard. 
He  was  admitted  to  the  confidence  of  that  skilful  navi* 
gator,  and  early  promoted  to  be  a  corporal  of  marines. 

3.  The  expedition,  at  length,  being  ready,  left  Eng- 
land on  the  twelfth  of  July,  1776,  eight  days  after  the 
declaration  of  the  American  Independence.  It  consisted 
of  two  ships,  the  Resolution  and  Discovery  ;  the  former 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Cook,  and  the  latter  un- 
der the  command  of  Captain  Clerke.  The  first  harbor 
at  which  they  came  to  anchor  was  in  Teneriflfe,  a  noted 
island  on  the  westero  coast  of  Africa,  celebrated  for  its 


gjgy^ 


■'■Jg---CT--M:- 


mlSJiXt^i^, 


RD.  ' 

[t  roused  the  spirit  of 
time  when  poverty  was 
from  friends  could  no 
)  ready  to  enlist  in  an 
him  forget  home,  pre- 
both  his  curiosity  and 

to  join  this  expedition, 
ird  one  of  the  ships, 
ion  to  Captain  Cook, 
in  enterprise  so  full  of 
ious  mind  of  Captain 
qualities  of  Ledyard. 
ce  of  that  skilful  navi' 
corporal  of  marines, 
leing  ready,  left  Eng- 
,  eight  days  after  the 
endence.  It  consisted 
Discovery ;  the  former 
ook,  and  the  latter  un- 
rke.  The  first  harbor 
s  in  TenerifTe,  a  noted 
'rica,  celebrated  for  its 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


29 


high  peak  of  land,  which  rises  to  the  height  of  more  than 
twelve  thousand  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  Sailing 
thence,  they  next  made  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  the 
southern  extremity  of  Africa,  where  they  dengned  to 
prepare  to  launch  forth,  on  a  long  voyage  into  the  great 
Southern  Ocean. 

4.  Having  spent  some  time  in  refitting  the  ships,  and 
in  collecting  various  animals,  which,  together  with  those 
brought  from  England,  consisted  of  horses,  cattle,  sheep, 
goats,  hogs,  cats,  hares,  rabbits,  monkeys,  ducks,  geese, 
turkeys,  and  peacocks— they  departed  from  the  Cape  and 
in  about  two  montlis  reached  Adventure  Bay,  in  Van 
Deiman's  Land,  at  the  southern  limits  of  New-Holland. 
For  several  days  tliey  saw  no  natives  of  the  country ; 
but  at  length  several  small  parties  came  down  to  the 
beach.  Ledyard,  who  kept  a  journal  of  the  voyage,  de- 
scribes them  as  apparently  the  most  wretched  of  human 
beings.  They  wore  no  clothes  and,  carried  nothing 
with  them  but  a  rude  stick  about  three  feet  long  and 
sharpened  at  one  end.  Their  skin  was  black,  heir  curly, 
and  the  beards  of  the  men  covered  with  a  red,  oily  sub- 
stance. They  had  no  canoes,  nor  any  habitations,  except 
a  few  pieces  of  old  bark  laid  across  some  small  poles. 


.mm 


30 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


During  all  his  travels  Ledyard  saw  no  people  apparently 
so  near  to  brutes  as  the  people  on  Van  Deiman's  Land. 
When  bread  was  offered  them  it  was  thrown  away ;  nor 
could  they  be  induced  to  taste  even  a  fish.  They  ate 
birds  with  great  relish.  Who  can  contemplate  a  set  of 
beings  so  low  and  not  mourn  over  the  sunken  and 
degraded  state  to  which  the  human  J'amily  may  sink  ? 

6.  Having  here  taken  in  a  sufficient  quantity  of  wood 
and  water,  the  expedition  next  proceeded  to  New-Zea- 
land, where  they  entered  a  Cove,  in  Queen  Charlotte's 
Sound.  New-Zealand  lies  south-east  of  New-Holland. 
It  consists  of  two  islands,  separated  from  each  other 
by  a  strait,  twelve  or  fifteen  miles  broad.  The  natives  of 
these  Islands  are  a  noble  race  of  men ;  they  are  taller 
than  most  Europeans,  and  pssess  perfectly  regular  fea- 
tures. Yet  they  are  fierce  and  warlike.  War  is  their 
topic  of  conversation  ;  they  believe  that  the  soul,  as  soon 
as  it  is  parted  from  the  body,  is  engaged  in  war.  They 
are  cannibals,  and  when  provoked  are  exceedingly  fero- 
cious ;  yet,  ia  their  natural  disposition  they  are  mild  and 
kind. 

6.  While  the  ships  lay  in  Queen  Charlotte's  Soand 
an  incident  oocured  which  we  must  not  pass  orer.    An 


El 

g"" 
wi 
hii 

CO 

afi 

SC| 
CO 

of 
to 
po 

bl( 

El 

Wj 

Si 


8C 

oil 
ra< 
arc 

SI 

at 
bo 
fill 
\fi 
wf 

n 


lRD. 

w  no  people  apparently 
n  Van  Deiman's  Land, 
was  thrown  away ;  nor 
sven  a  fisli.     They  ate 
n  contemplate  a  set  of 
over  the  sunken  and 
n  i'amily  may  sink  ? 
3ient  quantity  of  wood 
oceeded  to  New-Zea- 
in  Queen  Charlotte's 
east  of  New-Holland, 
ated  from  each  other 
)road.     The  natives  of 
men;  they  are  taller 
perfectly  regular  fea- 
rarlike.     War  is  their 
i  that  the  soul,  as  soon 
igaged  in  war.    They 
are  exceedingly  fero- 
ion  they  are  mild  and 

en  Charlotte's  Sound 
St  not  pass  orer.    An 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


31 


English  sailor  liecame  much  attached  to  a  New-Zealand 
girl,  by  the  niune  of  Gow-an-na-hee.  He  furnished  her 
with  combs  and  various  ornaments,  and  even  suffered 
himself  to  be  tattooed,*  according  to  the  custom  of  the 
country,  to  render  himself  more  agreeable  to  her.  Their 
affection  was  strong  and  mutual.  At  length  the  hour  of 
separation  arrived.  Unwilling  to  leave  her,  the  sailor 
contrived  to  effect  his  escape ;  and,  clad  in  the  costume 
of  the  natives,  mingled  in  the  crowd  of  natives,  collected 
to  witness  the  departure  of  the  ships.  When  on  the 
point  of  raising  the  sails,  ail  hands  on  board  were  assem- 
bled, and  the  roll  was  called.  The  absence  of  the 
English  sailor  was  now  discovered.  The  cause,  too, 
Wfis  well  known.  Officers  were  despatched  to  find  him. 
Suspecting  their  intentions,  he  had  secreted  himself ;  but 

*  Tattooing  coiisisU  in  prickin);  the  skin  with  n  kind  of  iniitrunicnt,  re- 
8Cniblin;{  a  couilt,  ami  fitlinif  the  punctures  with  a  paate  niiulo  ui'suut  nnd 
oil,  ur  with  paint,  which  leaves  an  indelible  mark.  Some  natioiia  tattoo  the 
Pace }  others  the  body.  Figures  resembling  animiUs  and  other  object* 
are  olten  drawn.  Mr.  Banks,  who  accompanied  Capt.  Cook,  once  «aw  a 
girl  about  thirteen  yean  old,  tattooed.  The  instrument  used  consisted  of 
thirty  teeth ;  and  every  stroke  (of  which  at  least  an  hundred  were  made  in 
a  minute)  drew  a  small  quantity  of  serum,  tinged  with  blood.  The  girl 
bore  the  pain  with  much  fortitude,  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour;  but  at  length 
filled  the  air  witli  the  most  piercing  cries,  imploring  to  be  released.  And 
when  she  began  to  strumle  she  was  held  down  by  two  strong  women, 
who  often  stiuck  her  while  the  cruel  operator  went  on  witk  tlie  work, 
llie  operation  lasted  between  three  and  four  hours. 


82 


JOHM    LEDYARD. 


his  biding  place  was  at  length  diiwovered.  He  was 
taken  on  board,  and  thus  forever  separated  from  one  to 
whom  be  was  most  sincerely  attached.  It  was  an  afTect- 
ing  scene.  Gow-an-na-bee  berj-e  'f  was  overwhelmed  witli 
anguish.  Some  of  the  offic«>r$  were  disposed  to  suffer 
the  sailor  to  remain ;  but  Captaiti  Cook  said  that  it  would 
not  do.  The  sails  were  now  spread  and  the  ships  were 
soon  seen  urging  their  way  on  the  billows  of  the  great 
deep.  The  sailor  was  called  to  an  account.  This 
seemed  almost  cruel;  but  great  strictness  is  necessary  on 
board  ships  of  war  and  of  discovery.  Although  sensurahle, 
according  to  tho  tales  observed  on  board  ships,  Captain 
Cook  kindly  f&gavc  him,  and  dismissed  him  without 
punishncent. 


b 
tl 
ai 


ARD. 

diiicovered.  He  was 
r  separated  from  one  to 
;bed.  It  was  an  afTect- 
'f  was  overwhelmed  witli 
were  disposed  to  suffer 
I  Cook  said  that  it  would 
ead  and  the  ships  were 
le  billows  of  the  great 
to  an  account.  This 
itrictness  is  necessary  on 
y.  Although  sensurable, 
)n  board  ships,  Captain 
dismissed  him  without 


CHAPTER   V. 

Voyage  continued — Wat-tee-oo — Friendly  Islands. 

1.'  Oil  leaving  New-Zealand  Ciiptaia  Cook  directed 
his  course  towards  Otaheite  ;  or,  as  it  is  now  called, 
Tahiti,  the  largest  of  the  Society  Islands,  and  about 
fifteen  hundred  miles  north-east  from  New-Zealand. 

2.  Their  voyage,  however,  proved  very  unpleasant. 
High  winds  threw  the  ocean  into  great  agitation ;  and 
being  ahead,  forced  them  out  of  their  course.  At  length, 
the  cattle  on  board  suffered  for  want  of  grass  and  water, 
and  even  the  men  piued  for  fresh  provisions.  Under 
7  8 


34 


JOHN   LEDY/      D. 


these  circiimstancos  Captain  Cook  thought  it  best  to  boar 
away  to  the  Friendly  islands,  whither  they  now  directed 
their  course. 

3.  During  their  run  thither  they  fell  in  with  several 
islands  never  before  discovered.  On  one  of  these  sev- 
eral officers  of  the  ships  effected  a  landing,  accompanied 
by  Omait  about  whom,  in  this  place,  it  will  be  necessary 
to  relate  some  particulars.  Omai  was  a  native  of  the 
Society  Islands,  from  which  Captain  Cook  had  taken  him 
on  a  former  voyage,  and  bad  carried  him  to  England. 
He  had  become  well  acquainted  with  the  English  lan- 
guage, and  was  now  on  his  return  to  his  native  island 

4.  Omai,  I  said,  was  one  of  the  party  which  landed 
on  a  newly  discovered  island,  which  was  called  by  the 
natives  Wat-tee-oo.  No  sooner  had  tliey  landed  than 
they  were  immediately  surrounded  by  the  natives,  who 
plundered  them,  and  for  some  time  detained  them. 
They  sustained,  howeyer,  no  persoaal  injury. 

5.  While  on  this  island,  what  was  Omai's  astonish- 
ment to  find  three  of  his  countrymen  among  the  crowd 
which  gathered  around  them.  Omai  entered  into  conver- 
sation with  them,  and  learned  their  affecting  story.  They 
had  been  on  this  island  for  several  years.    They  told 


D. 

thought  it  best  to  boar 
tier  they  now  directed 

t  fell  in  with  several 
On  one  of  tbeae  lev- 
landing,  accompanied 
e,  it  will  be  necessary 

was  a  native  of  the 
in  Cook  had  taken  him 
■ied  him  to  England, 
with  the  English  lan- 
to  his  native  island 
i  party  which  landed 
ch  was  called  by  the 
lad  Uiey  landed  than 

by  the  natives,  who 
time  detained  them. 
3iial  injury. 

was  Omai's  astonish- 
nen  among  the  crowd 
lai  entered  into  conver- 
iffecting  story.  They 
al  years.    They  told 


JOHN    LEDYARU. 


96 


Omai  that  their  party  originally  consisted  of  twenty  per- 
sons, men,  women,  and  children.  They  had  gone  on 
board  a  large  canoe,  and  were  designing  to  pass  from 
Otaheite  to  a  neighbouring  island.  They  had  not  sailed 
far,  however,  before  a  mighty  storm  arose  which  drove 
them  far  out  to  sea.  Their  few  provisions  were  soon 
exhausted.  They  could  discover  no  land  and  knew  not 
the  way  to  return.  Nor  could  they  return,  by  reason  of 
the  continuance  ul  the  storm.  A  strong  current  also 
united  its  force  with  the  wind  and  drove  them  with 
amazing  rapidity  farther  and  farther  from  home.  Hun- 
ger and  fatigue  and  exposure  soon  put  a  period  to  the 
sufferings  of  most  of  the  women  and  children,  whose 
bodies  they  were  oblig:' -'  to  cast  into  the  waters  of  the 
deep.  A  frenzy  sci;icu  upon  others,  who  jumped  over- 
board and  were  drowned.  For  thirteen  long  days  and 
nights  they  were  hurried  forward.  On  this  last  day 
they  were  thrown  i(ton  the  Island  of  Wat-ee-oo,  where 
the  natives  found  them.  Four  only  survived,  and  these 
were  so  reduce* ;  by  famine  and  swSering  that  for  a  time 
they  were  nearly  insensible.  They  were  taken  on  shore, 
and,  under  the  kind  treatment  they  received,  gradually 
recovered.    One  of  their  number  had  since  died.    Omai 


3G 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


invited  tiie  remaining  tliree  to  return  with  him  to  their 
native  island ;  but  to  this  they  replied,  "  No,  our  friends 
are  dead  ;  we  live  happily  here  ;  we  wish  not  to  return." 
To  this  we  shall  only  add,  that  die  distance  between 
Otaheite  and  Wat-tee-oo  is  more  than  fifteen  hundred 
miles.  The  above  canoe  must  have  sailed  more  than  one 
hundred  miles  a  day.  What  power,  but  a  Superintend- 
ing Providence  could  have  preserved  a  canoe,  lashed  by 
winds  and  waves,  thirteen  days  in  the  midst  of  the  wide 
Pacific  Ocean, 

6.  Leaving  Wat-tee-oo,  Captain  Cook  bore  directly 
for  the  Friendly  Islands,  and  on  the  ninth  of  June  came 
to  anchor  in  a  harbor  of  Ton-gat-a-boo ;  the  largest 
island  belonging  to  that  group.  The  Friendly  Islands 
were  so  called  from  the  kind  and  obliging  disposition 
which  it  was  supposed  at  that  time,  the  inhabitants  pos- 
sessed. Later  experience  has  led  to  the  conclusion 
that  they  are  far  from  being  entitled  to  this  praise.  On 
the  contrary,  recent  visitors  have  found  them  capable  of 
great  cruelty  and  revenge.  ->  -iW'- 

7.  Captain  Cook  and  his  men,  however,  formed  a  dif- 
ferent opinion.  Here  the  ships  lay  almost  a  month,  and 
in  the  mean  time  the  officers  of  the  crew  enjoyed  them- 


VRD, 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


9turn  with  him  to  their 
)lied,  "  No,  our  friends 
we  wish  not  to  return." 
t  tlie  distance  between 
e  than  fifteen  hundred 
ive  sailed  more  than  one 
ver,  but  a  Superintend- 
ved  a  canoe,  lashed  by 
1  tlie  midst  of  the  wide 

lin  Cook  bore  directly 
the  ninth  of  June  came 
gat-a-boo;  the  largest 

The  Friendly  Islands 
md  obliging  disposition 
ne,  the  inhabitants  pos- 

led  to  the  conclusion 
led  to  this  praise.     On 

found  them  capable  of 

however,  formed  a  dif- 
ly  almost  a  month,  and 
le  crew  enjoyed  them- 


selves greatly.  They  received  an  abundance  of  provi- 
sion, and  mingled  with  the  natives  on  social  and  friendly 
terms. 

8.  The  island  of  Tongataboo  they  found  to  be  quite 
fertile,  and  the  agriculture  of  the  natives  much  superiour 
to  that  of  New-Zealand.  The  king,  or  great  chief  of 
Tongataboo,  was  Povrla-ho,  whom  Ledyard  describes 
as  a  mild  and  amiable  man.  He  treated  Captain  Cook 
with  great  respect  and  commanded  his  people  to  do  the 
same. 

9.  Ledyard  spent  one  night  with  Pou-la-ho,  who 
invited  him  to  his  tent,  and  entertained  him  with  baked 
yams  and  fish.  About  nine  o'clock,  they  retired  to  rest. 
Their  beds  consist  of  mats :  instead  of  pillows,  they  make 
use  of  small  stools.  During  the  night  several  of  the 
natives  played  on  a  kind  of  flute,  around  the  tent,  to 
gratify  the  chief. 

10.  During  the  stay  of  the  ships  Cap*  Cook  and  his 
men  were  invited  to  witness  some  of  their  amusements. 
These  consisted  of  wrestling,  boxing,  and  other  athletic 
exercises  in  which  they  greatly  excelled.  They 
appeared  extremely  vigourous  and  expert,  and  altogether 
more  courageous  than  any  other  people,  whom  the  Eng- 


38 


JOHN   LEDYARD, 


lish  had  seen  during  the  voyage.  By  way  of  return  for 
this  civility,  Captain  Cook  gavp  a  briliant  exhibition  of 
fire-works.  At  this  the  natives  were  greatly  astonished 
and  delighted.  They  were  shown,  also,  some  of  the 
astronomical  instruments  belonging  to  the  ship  with  which 
they  were  well  pleased ;  but  they  were  more  amused 
with  the  horses,  cows,  sheep,  and  goats,  which  animals 
they  had  never  seen  before.  Dogs  and  hogs  were  their 
only  animals. 

11.  One  propensity  among  this  people,  Captain  Cook 
found  quite  troublesome.  They  were  great  theives. 
They  made  little  scruple  to  pilfer  anything  upon  which 
they  could  lay  their  hands.  This  propensity  Captain 
Cook  found  prevailing  throughout  all  the  South  Sea 
Islands  ;  and  what  is  quite  remarkable,  they  appear  not 
to  consider  it  any  crime.  This  shows  us  what  evils 
usually  exist  where  the  Bible  is  not  to  be  found. 

12.  Among  the  under  chiefs  in  Ton-gat-a-boo,  was 
one  whom  they  called  Feenou.  No  chief  was  more  re- 
spected, none  was  more  commanding  in  his  person,  or 
more  generous  and  frank  m  his  dis|X)8ition.  He  was  the 
devoted  friend  of  Pou-la-ho,  by  whom  he  was  greatly 
honoured.    Feenou  saw  some  of  the  peacocks  belonging 


^iM 


RD. 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


99 


By  way  of  return  for 
B  briliant  exhibition  of 
irere  greatly  astonished 
(ra,  also,  some  of  the 
;  to  the  ship  with  which 
y  were  more  amused 
i  goats,  which  animals 
gs  and  hogs  were  their 

people,  Captain  Cook 
were  great  theives. 
•  anything  upon  which 
lis  propensity  Captain 
lut  all  the  South  Sea 
kable,  they  appear  not 
shows  us  what  evils 
)t  to  be  found, 
in  Ton-gat-a-boo,  was 
So  chief  was  more  re- 
ding in  his  person,  or 
}X)8ition.  He  was  the 
whom  he  was  greatly 
the  peacocks  belonging 


to  the  English,  and  was  highly  delighted  with  their 
appearance.  Just  before  the  sailing  of  the  vessels,  tlie 
peacocks  disappeared.  Feenou  had  stolen  them  and 
had  fled.  Upon  this  Captain  Cook  arrested  Pou-la-ho, 
and  kept  him  a  prisoner  till  the  peacocks  were  returned. 
Great  commotions,  for  a  time,  prevailed  among  the  na- 
tives, and  warlike  preparations  were  made.  Pou-la-ho, 
however,  was  calm,  and  resisted  the  rising  storm.  At 
length,  Feenou  was  found,  restored  the  birds,  and 
accompanied  their  return  with  a  present  of  red  fefttliers 
and  provisions  to  Captain  Cook.  Harmony  wa»now 
restored,  and  the  parties  took  leave  of  each  other,  witli 
as  much  kindness  and  good  will  as  could  be  expected. 


JOHi\    LRDVARD. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

l^'oyagt  continued— Society  Islands— Hueheine— Sand- 
wich Islands— American  Continent— Nootka  Sound— 
Onalaska— Singular  Discovery— Courage  of  Ledyard. 
1.     Captain  Cook  having  taken  leave  of  Pou-la-ho, 
us  noticed  in  the  last  Chapter,  proceeded  directly  to  the 
Society  Islands,  where  he  arrived,  with  his  vessels,  on 
the  14th  August.     These  islands  lie  east  of  the  Friendly 
Islands,  and  are  thirteen  in  number.    The  largest  of  the 
group,  where  our  navigators  came  to  anchor,  is  Otaheite 
(now  called  Tahiti),  which  is  120  miles  in  ci- cumference. 


sp 
in 
m 
fe 

Wi 

cc 
so 
n< 
ai 

th 
is 
ar 
ta 
in 

li! 

vi 
m 

lit 


kRD. 


VI. 

h — Hueheine — Sand- 
mt — Nootka  Sound — 
-Courage  of  Ledyard. 
1  leave  of  Pou-la-ho, 
(deeded  directly  to  the 
,  with  his  vessels,  on 
e  east  of  the  Friendly 
'.  The  largest  of  the 
to  anchor,  is  Otaheite 
liles in  cixumference. 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


41 


The  other  important  islands  are  Ulietea,  Bolabo)'  Tubai, 
Maitea,  Hueheine  and  Eimeo. 

2.  Ledyard  in  his  journal  describes  these  islands,  and 
speaks  of  their  inhabitants  with  some  particularity.  The 
inhabitants  are  estimated  at  one  hundred  thousand.  The 
men  are  tall,  strong,  and  well  built,  particularly  the  chiefs, 
few  of  whom  are  under  six  feet  in  height.  Many  of  the 
women  are  also  taller  than  the  American  women.  Their 
complexion  is  olive;  they  are  in  general  quite  hand- 
some ;  they  have  black  and  coarse  hair.  In  their  man- 
ners they  are  easy  and  graceful ;  in  disposition  courteous 
and  kind  ;  but  often  shrewd  and  artful. 

3.  Their  clothing  is  made  of  cloth,  manufactured  from 
the  inner  rind  of  the  bark  of  several  kinds  of  trees.  It 
is  cool  and  soft,  but  soon  liable  to  decay.  In  their 
amusements  they  strongly  resemble  the  natives  of  Tonga- 
taboo.  They  were  formerly  idolaters,  and  practiced 
infanticide,  or  the  offering  up  of  children.  To  the  Eng- 
lish they  pretended  that  they  never  sacrificed  human 
victims,  but  of  the  contrary  of  this  the  English  had  too 
many  sad  proofs. 

4.  It  may  be  pleasant  to  my  readers  to  know  what  a 
Happy  change  has  taken  place  within  a  few  years,  among 


4S 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


the  inhabitants  of  these  islands,  in  respect  to  religion. 
Ill  the  year  1796  and  1800,  the  London  Missionary  So- 
ciety sent  out  a  number  of  missionaries  to  instruct  the 
natives,  and  to  persuade  them,  if  possible,  to  embrace 
the  Christian  Religion.  But  for  several  years  they  had 
little  success.  The  idolatry  and  superstition  of  the  na- 
tives was  deep  laid.  The  missionaries,  however,  perse- 
vered. Within  a  few  years,  they  have  been  quite  suc- 
cessful. All  the  inhabitants  of  Otaheite,  Eimeo,  and  sev- 
eral of  the  adjacent  islands,  have  laid  aside  their  heathen 
religion  and  embraced  Christianity.  They  have  houses 
of  worship,  which  are  well  filled,  and  schools  which  are 
well  attended. 

6.  At  Otaheite,  Captain  Cook  staid  only  a  short  time, 
designing  to  return,  after  he  had  visited  the  American 
Coast.  Before  leaving  the  islands,  however,  he  sailed 
over  to  Hueheine,  the  nativp  island  of  Omai,  where  they 
designed  to  leave  him.  As  he  had  been  of  great  service 
to  them,  Captain  Cook  purchased  of  the  natives  a  small 
tract  of  land,  on  which  he  built  a  small  house  for  him  j 
he  also  laid  out  a  garden,  in  which  were  planted  various 
seeds,  which  had  been  brought  from  England.  Captain 
Cook  also  gave  him  several  of  the  live  animals  from  on 
board  the  ships. 


arts*- 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


m 


to  religion, 
ssionary  So- 
instruct  the 
to  embrace 
irs  they  had 
n  of  the  na- 
ever,  perse- 
1  quite  suc- 
leo,  and  sev- 
leir  heathen 
lave  houses 
Is  which  are 

I  short  lime, 
i  American 
r,  he  sailed 
where  they 
reat  service 
ves  a  small 
le  for  him ; 
ited  various 
I.  Captain 
als  from  on 


6.  The  time  of  departure  had  now  arrived.  To  all  it 
was  a  painful  separation.  Omai  was  much  beloved. 
He  was  indeed  glad  to  see  his  country  and  friends  once 
more  ;  but  became  much  dejected,  as  he  shook  hands 
with  Captain  Cook  and  the  officers,  for  the  last  time.  It 
was  indeed  the  last  time.  How  long  Omai  lived  after 
this,  or  what  became  of  him,  is  now  unknown. 

7.  The  sails  of  the  ships  being  spread,  and  all  on  board. 
Captain  Cook  led  the  way,  taking  a  northerly  course, 
with  a  design  to  make  the  American  Coast  at  about  the 
40th  degree  of  north  latitude.  For  six  long  weeks  the 
ships  continued  to  urge  on  their  course,  without  noticing 
any  other  object  than  perhaps  an  uninhabited  island  or 
some  projecting  rocks.  Suddenly,  one  day,  an  island 
of  magnitude  appeared  in  sight,  and  was  hailed  with  joy. 
It  was  an  island  which  belonged  to  a  group.  This  was 
a  new  discovery.  Cook  named  the  group  the  Sandwich 
Islands.  Little  did  he  then  think— little  did  any  one 
think— of  the'results  of  this  discovery.  Ah !  little  did  this 
celebrated  man  think  that  here  he  would  terminate  his 
mortal  existence ;  and  as  little,  perhaps,  that  in  future 
years,  missionaries  from  America  would  be  proclaiming, 
to  admiring  multitudes,  the  gospel  of  Chirst,  in  its  reform- 
ing efficacy,  and  in  its  rich  consolations.  ,  >sttr?-  r-n 


u 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


8.  The  land  was  now  approached,  and  a  convenient 
harbor  received  the  ships.  Soon  after,  they  were  sur- 
rounded with  canoes,  filled  with  the  natives.  They 
were  greatly  astonished  at  the  appearance  of  the  ships, 
and  of  the  English.  The  latter  not  much  less  astonish- 
ed to  find  these  people,  separated  from  the  Society  Islands 
by  an  ocean  nearly  three  thousand  miles  in  extent,  and 
from  New-Zealand  about  four  thousand,  speaking  nearly 
the  same  language. 

9.  The  natives,  at  first,  appeared  shy,  but  not  long 
after  ventured  on  board,  and  presented  to  the  new  comers 
pigs,  yams,  sweet  potatoes,  and  other  provisions.  They 
regarded  the  English  with  evident  wonder.  They  exam- 
ined the  hands,  faces,  and  clothes  of  the  sailors  ;  and,  as 
if  in  doubt  of  the  fact,  inquired  of  them  whether  they 
could  eat. 

10.  It  being  the  first  of  February,  Captain  Cook  con- 
cluded that  no  time  was  to  be  lost.  Accordingly  at  the 
expiration  of  ten  days  he  took  his  departure  for  the 
American  coast,  designing  to  return,  after  he  should 
have  explored  that  coast,  and  the  polar  latitudes.  From 
this  time,  nothing  remarkable  occurred,  until  they 
reached  the  American  Continent,  and  anchored  in  Noot- 
ka  Sound. 


ndK> 


a  convenient 
y  were  sur- 
ves.  They 
f  the  ships, 
ess  astonish- 
ciety  Islands 
extent,  and 
aking  nearly 

>ut  not  long 
new  comers 
ons.  They 
rhey  exam- 
rs ;  and,  as 
hether  they 

Cook  con- 
ngly  at  the 
jre  for  the 
he  should 
es.  From 
until  they 
id  in  Noot- 


JOHN    LED YARD. 


4ft 


11.  I  need  not  tell  my  readers,  I  suppose,  that  this 
was  the  first  time  that  Nootka  Sound  had  been  visited  by 
an  European  vessel,  nor  that  it  is  a  bay  of  large  dimen- 
sions, extending  several  leagues  into  the  country.     It  lies 
in  latitude  about  fifty  north  ;  nearly  three  thousand  miles 
west  of    New-England.    After  a  voyage  of  so  many 
months  and  so  many  thousand  miles,  one  can  scarcely 
tell  the  feelings  of  Ledyard,  as  he  again  stepped  on  to  his 
native  continent,  although  a  distance  of  three  tliousand 
miles  separated  him  from  the  spot  that  gave  him  birth. 
He  thought  of  home ;  need  I  say  that  he  thought  of  a 
mother  there,  who  he  knew,  if  she  were  still  living,  would 
think  every  succeeding  night,  as  she  lay  upon  her  pillow, 
of  her  darling  son.     Ledyard  had  a  lofty  spirit  and  heroic 
courage ;  yet  he  was  not  proof  against  those  feelings  which 
rivet  man  to  home  and  which,  if  sometimes  the  source  of 
the  purest  joy,  are  also  the  source  of  the  deepest  sorrow. 
12.  The  natives  of  Nootka  Sound  live  chiefly  in  two 
villages,  and  are  supposed  to  amount  to  about  two  thou- 
sand.   They  strongly  resemble  the  Inilians  of  the  east- 
ern side  of  the  continent.     Their  hair  is  black,  and  is 
generally  worn  in  a  club  on  the  top  of  the  head,  and  be- 
smeared with  oil  and  paints  to  which  is  added  the  down 


40 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


of  birds.  They  paint  their  faces  with  red,  blue,  and 
white  color.  Their  garmenu  are  of  two  kinds,  the  one 
made  of  the  inner  rind  of  bark,  the  otbor  of  the  hair  of 
their  dogs.  They  manufacture  wampum  very  similar  to 
that  found  among  the  tribes  far  to  the  east.  The  natives 
they  found  occupied  much  of  their  time  in  the  taking  of 
furs.  Cupuin^Cook  purchased  some  of  these  furs,  among 
which  were  about  fifteen  hundred  beaver  skins,  which 
proved  a  profitable  speculation. 

13.  Having  spent  a  few  days  at  Nootka  Sound  the 
expedition  proceeded  northward,  coasting  along  the 
American  shore,  till  it  reached  Bering's  Strait,  which 
separates  Asia  from  America.  The  strait  derives  its 
name  from  Nitus  Bering,  a  Danish  navigator,  commodore 
in  the  service  of  Russia.  He  was  sent  by  Peter  I,  in 
1728,  with  some  ships  to  explore  the  north  coasts  of 
America ;  but  it  was  only  in  a  third  voyage,  made  in 
1741,  that  he  discovered  any  thing  remarkable.  His 
ship  struck  on  an  island,  on  the  coast  of  Kamtschatka, 
and  while  repairing  the  damages  sustained  there,  he  died 
in  the  place. 

14.  This  strait  the  ships  entered;  and,  in  passing 
through,  Ledyard  says  both  continents  were  distinctly 


d,  blue,  and 
inds,  the  one 
>f  the  hair  of 
ery  similar  to 
The  natives 
the  talcing  of 
ti  furs,  among 
skins,  which 

a  Sound  the 
g  along  the 
Strait,  which 
t  derives  its 
,  commodore 
r  Peter  I,  in 
'th  coasts  of 
ge,  made  in 
rkable.  His 
Camtschatka, 
lere,  he  died 

,  in  passing 
re  distinctly 


JOIINLEDYARD.  fT 

seen  at  the  same  time.  At  length,  they  reached  the 
polar  seas,  which  they  traversed  during  the  month  of 
August ;  but,  at  length,  being  impeded  by  ice,  they  were 
obliged  to  return,  without  affecting  a  desirable  object— 
the  discovery  of  a  northwest  passage.  They  now  shaped 
tlieir  course  towards  the  Sandwich  Islands ;  but  meeting 
with  the  island  of  Onalaska,  an  incident  occurred  which 
from  its  interest  we  shall  stop  to  relate. 

15.  This  island  lies  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  on  the  north- 
west com  of  America,  in  latitude  57".  Here  the  Eng- 
lish found  evident  traces  of  intercourse  with  Europeans. 
Beside  being  fond  of  tobacco,  rum,  and  snuff,  the  natives 
were  observed  to  have  several  blue  linen  shirts  and 
drawers  among  them.  Besides,  tliey  had  cakes  of  rye, 
seasoned  with  pepper  and  salt.  Upon  inquiry,  the  Eng- 
lish learned  from  the  natives  that  there  were  white  peo- 
ple, at  a  distance,  in  the  country,  who  had  come  over 
the  great  waters,  in  a  vessel  like  theirs.  This  intelligerxe 
determined  Captain  Cook  to  send  some  one  to  ascer- 
tain the  fact,  and  to  inquire  who  these  strangers  might  be. 

16.  Ledyard,  who  was  well  known  for  his  intelligence, 
courage,  and  perseverance,  had  the  dangerous  honor 
offered  to  him.    Full  of  danger  as  the  expedition  must 


48 


JOH^    LKDYARD. 


be,  Ledyard  hesitated  not  to  accept  the  np[)oIntment ; 
and,  having  taken  such  presents  as  were  jiulged  most 
proper,  started  upon  his  enterprise  under  tiic  guidance 
of  a  young  chief,  whose  name  was  Perpheela,  and  two 
Indians.  Their  route,  for  the  first  day,  lay  through  a 
wilderness,  into  which  they  penetrated  about  fifteen  miles. 
Night  overtook  them  on  their  arrival  at  a  village  consist- 
ing of  about  thirty  huts.  These  huts  were  erected  ovlt 
a  kind  of  cellar,  or  square  hole,  sunk  about  four  feet  into 
the  ground.  The  lower  part  of  the  frame  was  covered 
with  turf,  and  higher  up  was  thatched  with  coarse  grass. 
Ledyard  was  received  with  cordiality  by  the  inhabitants, 
and  the  next  morning  pursued  his  journey,  in  company 
with  his  guides. 

17.  The  day  proved  cold,  and  chilly,  and  wet.  Led- 
yard's  feet  were  much  swollen,  so  that  with  great  diffi- 
culty he  could  walk.  Towards  the  close  of  the  day, 
they  arrived  at  a  large  bay.  Here,  Perpheela  putting 
Ledyard's  baggage  into  a  canoe,  and  at  the  same  time 
taking  a  seat  in  it  sti'uck  from  tlie  shore,  telling  Ledyard 
to  follow  his  Indian  guides.  At  this  circu.nstance,  Led< 
yard  was  not  a  little  perplexed.  Can  Perpheela,  thought 
he,  be  treacherous  P    For  a  moment  he  hesitated,  but 


JOHN   LEDYARU. 


m 


appointment ; 
judged  most 
tiic  guidance 
!oln,  Hnd  two 
ay  through  a 
fifteen  miles. 
Huge  consist- 
erected  oMir 
four  feet  into 
was  covered 
coarse  grass. 
i  iniinbitants, 
in  company 

1  wet.  Led- 
h  great  diffi- 
of  the  day, 

icela  putting 

2  same  time 
ing  Ledyard 
stance,  Led- 
eela,  thouglit 
esitated,  but 


knowing  that  he  was  in  the  power  of  his  guides,  he  con- 
chidcd  t?  follow  them,  williout  betraying  any  distrust. 
After  wandering  about  six  miles  along  the  shore  of  die 
bay,  a  canoe  was  descried  which  the  guides  hailed. 
It  proved  to  be  a  canoe  sent  by  Perpheela  to  conduct 
them  across  the  bi./. 

18.  It  was  now  night,  and  darkness  thickened  about 
them.  The  canoe  which  carried  them  being  of  skin, 
after  the  Esquimaux  plan,  was  urged  forward  with  great 
rapidity,  notwithstanding  it  seemed  Impossible  to  know 
the  course  they  would  take.  About  an  hour  from  the 
time  they  entered  the  canoe  she  struck  with  force  upon 
the  opposite  beach.  Ledyard  was  now  conducted  to  a 
hut,  about  forty  rods  distant,  on  entering  which  he  dis- 
covered himself  to  be  in  the  presence  of  Russians. 
These  were  the  strangers  of  whom  Perpheela  had  told 
Captain  Cook.  After  partaking  of  their  hospitality 
Ledyard  ascertained  that  they  were  indeed  Russians, 
subjects  of  the  Empress  Catharine.  Their  number  was 
about  thirty,  who,  together  with  seventy  Indians  from 
Kamtschatka,  occupied  the  village.  About  five  years 
before  they  had  come  from  the  latter  place  to  the  island 
of  Onalaska,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  furs.    The 


11 

I 


! 


60 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


vessel  which  brought  them  was  shown  to  Ledyard :  it 
was  a  small  sloop  of  about  thirty  tons  burthen,  and  was 
said  by  the  Russians  to  be  the  same  in  which  tlie  cele- 
brated Bering  had  made  his  discoveries.  Once  a  year 
they  despatched  the  sloop  to  Kamtschatka,  to  deliver 
their  merchandise,  and  in  return  to  bring  to  the  settle- 
ment such  supplies  as  were  needed. 

19.  Having  now  accomplished  the  object  of  his  jour- 
ney, Ledyard  took  leave  of  his  new  acquaintance.  He 
was  conveyed  across  the  bay  in  a  canoe,  manned  with 
twelve  oars,  after  leaving  which  he  was  accompanied  by 
three  of  the  Russians  to  the  ships,  which  they  reached 
in  safety.  Captain  Cook  received  Ledyard  with  a 
hearty  welcome,  and  paid  a  high  compliment  to  his 
courage  and  perseverance. 


to  Ledyard :  it 
then,  and  was 
bicb  tlie  cele- 

Once  a  year 
ika,  to  deliver 

to  the  settle- 

ct  of  his  jour- 
aintance.  He 
manned  with 
:con]panied  by 
1  they  reached 
dyard  with  a 
pliment  to  his 


i"'r*(iT>iiii'ijia)ii 


JOHjN  ledyaru. 


51 


CHAPTER   VII. 

Voyage  continued — Return  of  the  ships  to  the  Sandivich 
Islmids — Landing  of  Captain  Cook — Attempt  of  Led- 
yard to  visit  Mouna  Roa — Death  of  Captain  Cook — 
Return  of  the  Expedition  to  England. 

I.  Two  months  from  the  time  the  expedition  left 
Ooalaska,  Captain  Cook  again  reached  tlie  Sandwich 
Islands,  and  anchored  in  the  commodious  bay  of  Ke-ar-a- 
kek-wa,  on  the  south  side  of  0-why-hee,  or  as  it  is  now 
spelt,  Haw-a-ii  (Haw-y-ee).  No  sooner  had  they  cast 
anchor  than  crowds  of  people  flocked  to  the  shore  and 


-': — fSgssasaSBBK? 


62 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


filled  the  bay  with  almost  a  countless  number  of  canoes. 
Shouts  of  joy  and  admiration  were  heard  on  every  side. 

2.  Captain  Cook  now  made  preparations  to  go  on 
shore,  and,  for  the  purpose  of  a  deeper  impression  on  the 
natives,  he  proceeded  with  some  ceremony.  A  passage 
was  open  for  his  pinnace,  through  the  canoes,  which 
thronged  around,  by  two  chiefs,  who  carried  in  their 
hands  two  long  white  poles,  as  ensigns  of  their  authority. 
As  he  passed  along,  a  reverential  awe  seemed  to  pervade 
the  people  in  the  canoes,  who  sat  motionless  with  their 
hands  covering  their  faces. 

3.  A  still  more  interesting  spectacle  was  witnessed  on 
his  reaching  shore.  As  if  he  had  been  a  being  belong- 
ing to  another  world  tiie  multitude  fell  prostrate  upon  the 
earth,  and  with  difficulty  could  a  way  be  opened  for  him 
to  pass.  As  he  proceeded,  those  behind  rose  and  follow- 
ed, while  those  whom  he  approached  fell  to  the  ground, 
and  thus  prostrate  continued  so  until  he  had  passed. 
Occasionally  turning  his  head,  the  multitude  behind, 
watching  his  movements,  were  again  instantly  prostrate ; 
nor  did  they  rise  till  his  head  was  again  turned  in  the 
direction  towards  which  he  was  conducted.  The  con- 
fusion, however,  ceased  on  his  entering  the  Morai,  a 

\ 


jr  of  canoes, 
n  every  side. 
IS  to  go  on 
ession  on  the 
A  passage 
moes,  which 
ried  in  their 
eir  authority. 
;d  to  pervade 
ss  with  their 

witnessed  on 
eing  belong- 
rate  upon  the 
ened  for  him 
e  and  foUow- 
I  the  ground, 
had  passed, 
itude  behind, 
:ly  prostrate ; 
jrned  in  the 
The  con- 
he  Morai,  a 


JOHN  I.EDYARD. 


53 


sacred  inclosure,  into  which  none  but  the  chiefs  and  their 
attendants  were  allowed  to  enter. 

4.  Captain  Cook  now  requested  liberty  of  the  chiefs 
to  erect  tents  on  shore,  which  was  readily  granted  upon 
condition  that  none  of  the  seamen  should  leave  them 
after  sunset.  On  their  part  the  chiefs  agreed  that  none 
of  the  natives  should  enter  the  tents  after  the  same  time. 
Unhappily,  these  salutary  restrictions  were  violated,  which 
k''    "<  sad  consequences  in  the  end. 

?::t  several  days  a  good  understanding  was  pre- 
»t'^  i  Teraiobu,  the  king,  now  an  old  man,  spent  a 
day  on  board  the  ships  with  his  chiefs,  where  they  din- 
ed. On  the  day  following,  Captain  Cook  and  his  officers 
dined  on  shore,  at  the  royal  residence,  where  they  were 
served  with  baked  hog,  potatoes,  and  cocoanut-milk. 
Towards  the  close  of  the  day  the  old  king  gave  orders 
for  a  wrestling  and  boxing  match.  It  was  conducted  in 
handsome  style,  and  made  much  diversion  for  the  Eng- 
lish officers.  The  next  evening  Captain  Cook  returned 
the  compliment  by  an  exhibition  of  fire-works.  The 
effect  produced  upon  the  natives  was  unexpectedly  great. 
Many  fled,  by  reason  of  terror,  nor  could  they  be  per- 
suaded to  return.    Even  old  Teraiobu  quaked,  and  would 


IfT" 


54 


JOHN  LBDYARD. 


have  fled  also,  had  he  been  able,  and  had  not  Captain 
Cook  kindly  took  hold  of  him,  and  bid  him  not  be 
alarmed. 

6.  We  must  now  pass  for  a  few  minutes  to  speak  of 
Ledyard,  and  of  a  plan  he  formed,  while  affairs  were  in 
the  above  agreeable  frame.  On  the  island  where  the 
English  now  were  stands  a  high  peak  which  the  natives 
call  Mouna  Roa.  The  height  of  this  peal:  has  been  es- 
uiiiu*ed  to  be  about  eighteen  thousand  feet.  Its  summit 
is  covered  with  perpetual  snow.  No  one,  not  even  the 
natives,  had  ever  reached  its  top.  Ledyard  determined 
to  make  the  attempt.  Accordingly  having  obtained  per- 
mission of  Captain  Cook,  he  set  out  in  company  with  two 
others,  taking  some  natives  as  guides  through  the  woods. 
The  first  night  the  company  lodged  at  the  hut  of  an  In- 
dian, who  lived  in  retirement  with  his  wife  and  daughter, 
by  whom  they  wer?  treated  with  much  kindness,  though, 
at  first,  they  seemed  to  be  quite  terrified,  at  the  appear- 
ance of  the  strangers. 

7.  The  following  morning,  Ledyard  and  his  compan- 
ions proceeded  toward  the  mountain.  This  day  their 
route  lay  chiefly  through  the  woods,  through  which  they 
directed  their  course  by  means  of  a  compass.    N'.rht 


\  not  Captain 
him  not  be 

s  to  speak  of 
fFairs  were  in 
id  where  the 
h  the  natives 
:  has  been  es- 
Its  summit 
not  even  the 
d  determined 
obtained  per- 
pany  with  two 
gh  the  woods, 
hut  of  an  In- 
md  daughter, 
Iness,  though, 
t  the  appear- 

his  compan- 
bis  day  their 
h  which  they 
pass.    N;^ht 


mmammum 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


'Maa>afii.i 


59 


overtook  them  at  the  distance  of  fifteen  miles  from  their 
morning  starting  place.  They  encamped  beside  a  tree, 
which  Ledyard  found  by  measurement  to  be  twenty-two 
feet  in  circumference.  Here  they  slept  quietly,  notwith- 
standing that  the  dew  was  heavy  and  the  air  quite  cold. 
8.  On  starting  the  next  morning,  which  they  did  in 
good  spirits,  they  hoped  to  be  able  to  reach  that  part  of 
the  mountain  where  the  snow  commenced.  As  they 
proceeded,  however,  unexpected  obstacles  impeded  their 
progress.  No  path  opened  itself  before  them.  At  the 
distance  of  five  miles,  the  thickets  became  absolutely  im- 
penetrable. What  should  they  now  do  ?  Ledyard  was 
unwilling  to  relinquish  his  purpose.  It  was  now,  howev- 
er, obviously  impossible  to  proceed.  At  this  point, 
therefore,  the  project  was  abandoned,  and  the  party  again 
returned  to  the  ships.* 

*  Since  the  time  Ledyard  visited  the  Sandwich  Islandi,  Miuionaries 
firom  America,  it  ii  well  known,  have  been  stationed  there,  and  the  most 
BratiiVing  success  has  attended  th.ir  labours. 

In  1823,  it  was  determined  by  the  Missionaries  to  form  •  number  of 
stations  on  Hawaii,  the  island  on  which  Captain  Cook  landed.  But  in 
Older  to  do  this  to  advantage  it  was  deemed  important  to  make  a  sunrey 
of  the  island.  In  fUfilling  this  design,  the  Missionaries  were  induced  to 
attempt  the  ascent  of  the  very  mountain  in  which  Ledyard  and  his  com- 
panions had  failed. 

In  this  attempt,  the  American  Miskionaries  were  successflil.  Mouna 
Roa  is  situated  about  twenty  miles  {torn  the  sea.    The  crater  of  Kirauca 


J 


56 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


9.  We  have  now  arrived  at  a  melancholy  part  of  this 
voyage.  We  navo  noticed  tlie  kind  reception  of  the 
English  by  the  natives,  and  the  continuance,  for  some 
time,  of  a  mutual  good  understanding.  At  length,  how- 
ever, it  was  apparent  that  the  islanders  began  to  think  the 
English  troublesome.  They  doubtless  were  so.  In  many 
instances,  the  English  treated  the  natives  rudely,  for  which 
they  were  insulted. 

10.  The  first  serious  difficulty,  however,  which  occur- 
red was  on  the  occasion  of  taking  on  board  the  rudder  of 
the  Resolution,  which  had  been  repaired  on  shore.  It 
being  heavy,  some  of  the  natives  were  requested  to  assist. 
In  attempting  to  assist,  they  caused  no  small  confusion 
and  embarrassment.  Upon  tliis  the  mate  became  angry, 
and  struck  two  of  the  natives.  Next,  he  ordered  a  chief 
who  was  present,  to  direct  the  natives  to  assist  him.  The 
chief,  however,  and  his  people  who  had  become  indignant, 
only  laughed  and  hooted  at  the  English,  A  crowd  of 
natives  now  gathered  to  the  spot ;  much  disorder  ensued, 

U  situated  at  the  foot  of  thii  mountain.  The  upper  edge  of  this  crater  the 
MiMionariei  estimated  to  be  seven  miles  and  a  half  in  circumference,  and 
not  less  than  one  thousand  feHt  deep.  Into  this  crater  they  looked.  They 
could  see  the  lava  at  the  bottom  boiling  and  rolling  as  it  were  one  vast 
flood  of  liquid  fire.  At  night,  the  fire  which  rose  from  Kirauca  unfolded 
a  sight  terrible  and  sublime  beyond  all  they  had  seen. 


h-twiv-'SJjiMv'ii^T^^i^ 


JOHN   L. 


VRD. 


m 


»Iy  part  of  this 
eplion  of  the 
nee,  for  some 
t  length,  how- 
an  to  think  the 
so.  In  many 
lely,  for  which 

,  which  occur- 
the  rudder  cf 
on  shore.  It 
ested  to  assist, 
lall  confusion 
lecame  angry, 
rdered  a  chief 
ist  him.  The 
•me  indignant, 
A  crowd  of 
order  ensued. 


)  of  this  crater  the 
rcumference,  and 
ey  looked.  They 
it  were  one  vast 
Cirauca  unfolded 


and  several  stones  were  thrown  by  each  party.  A  guard 
of  marines  hastened  to  the  spot  and  quelled  the  dis- 
turbance. 

11.  After  this,  broils  were  more  frequent.  Conten- 
tions were  easily  excited,  and  still  deeper  resentments 
were  indulged.  As  Captain  Cook  was  now  making 
preparation  to  depart,  he  wished  to  supply  the  ships  with 
wood.  As  none  was  within  convenient  distance,  he 
offered  two  iron  hatchets  as  the  price  for  the  fence  which 

/  surrounded  the  Moral.  This,  as  we  have  observed,  was 
a  sacred  enclosure.  The  offer  of  only  two  hatchets  was 
insuking  to  the  natives,  and  they  felt  it  to  be  so.  They 
rejected  the  proposal  with  scorn.  This  irriti.ted  Captain 
Cook,  and  he  ordered  the  seamen  to  break  it  down  and 
carry  it  to  the  ships,  which  was  accordingly  done. 
This  act  on  the  part  of  Captain  Cook,  no  circumstances 
could  justify.  The  Moral  was  a  depository  of  the  dead ; 
here  also  stood  the  images  of  their  gods,  and  here  their 
religious,  though  idolatrous,  ceremonies  were  performed, 

12.  A  supply  of  wood  having  thus  been  obtained,  the 
only  remaining  requisite  for  the  voyage  was  water.  This 
being  not  to  be  obtained  at  Ke-ar-a-kak-wa,  the  vessels 
were  unntoored  and  sail  niade  fo^^  another  island  with 


mm 


mm 


58 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


! 


that  object  in  view.  A  storm,  however,  came  on,  which 
so  seriously  injured  the  foremast  of  the  Resolution,  that 
both  ships  were  obliged  to  return. 

13.  This  was  unfortunate.  The  natives  saw  them 
return  with  grief,  perhaps  with  indignation.  Not  a  soli- 
tary canoe  came  out  to  welcome  their  return.  Towards 
nighl,  however,  several  canoes  proceeded  to  the  ships  for 
the  purpose  of  selling  provisions ;  but  the  natives  now 
wanted  on  exchange  only  iron  daggers,  or  dirks.  From 
the  Discovery  the  same  night  they  stole  besides  two  pair 
of  tongs,  several  tools,  with  which  they  made  their  escape. 
A  few  nights  after,  they  took  away  the  Discovery's  large 
cutter. 

14.  In  this  state  of  things.  Captain  Cook  determined 
himself  to  go  on  shore,  and  to  persuade  the  king  to  come 
on  board,  with  a  design  to  keep  him  prisoner  until  the 
cutter  should  be  restored.  For  this  purpose,  several 
boats  filled  with  men  accompanied  Captain  Cook  to  the 
shore.  On  landing,  he  proceeded  with  a  small  guard  to 
the  house  of  Teraiobu,  who  on  coming  out  to  meet  him, 
kneeled  down  in  token  of  submission.  Taking  him  by 
the  hand.  Captain  Cook  proposed  that  he  should  accom- 
pany him  on  board.    Teraiobu  reluctantly  consented, 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


'ii 


ame  on,  which 
esolution,  that 

ves  saw  them 
.  Not  a  soli- 
rn.  Towards 
to  the  ships  for 
e  natives  now 
dirks.  Fronn 
!sides  two  pair 
e  their  escape, 
icovery's  large 

sk  determined 
i  king  to  come 
oner  until  the 
rpose,  several 
i  Cook  to  the 
imall  guard  to 
:  to  meet  him, 
aking  him  by 
ihould  accom- 
iy  consented, 


and  now  proceeded  slowly  towards  the  boat.  The  alarm, 
however,  spread.  Hundreds  of  people  soon  gathered 
around  their  aged  chief.  They  were  suspicious  of  evil 
design.  At  the  moment  of  reaching  the  boat,  a  native 
sounded  the  alarm  that  they  were  going  to  kill  the  king ; 
at  the  same  time  he  approached  towards  Captain  Cook, 
as  if  designing  to  attack  him.  Upon  this  Captain  Cook 
levelled  his  piece  and  fired  at  the  Indian  with  a  blank. 
Perceiving,  however,  that  he  still  approached,  he  fired  a 
ball,  which  brought  him  to  the  ground.  The  confusion  now 
increased.  A  deep  indignation  sat  on  the  countenances 
of  the  increasing  multitude.  Several  stones  were  thrown, 
one  of  which  striking  Captain  Cook,  he  shot  the  man 
dead  on  the  spot.  At  this  moment  the  seamen,  who 
were  with  the  boat,  fired  upon  the  multitude,  although  no 
orders  to  that  eiTict  had  been  given  them.  Captain  Cook 
and  his  men  now  found  it  necessary  to  retreat.  On 
reaching  the  shore  Captain  Cook  waved  his  hat  for  his 
men  to  cease  firing,  and  while  in  this  act  a  chief  approach- 
ing him  behind,  plunged  a  dagger  into  his  back,  upon 
which  be  fell  and  immediately  expired. 
•  16.  Thus  fell  a  navigator,  justly  celebrated  throughout 
the  world ;  a  man  of  consummate  skill  and  of  the  boldest 


_JL7 


r»f 


60 


JOHN    LEIDYARD. 


and  itKjit  heroic  qualltie.",  Yet,  he  fell  in  consequence 
of  bis  own  imprudence,  and  in  pursuit  of  an  object  which 
no  principles  of  justice  could  sanction.  We  shall  not 
detain  our  readers  with  the  transactions  that  followed  this 
raost  melancholy  event.  We  shall  only  add,  therefore, 
that  the  ships  soon  after  again  proceeded  to  the  polar  re- 
gions, attempting  anew  tlie  discovery  of  a  northwest  pas- 
sage. This  attempt,  however,  proving  as  fruitless  as  had 
the  one  the  p»-evious  year,  they  set  out  on  their  homeward 
voyage.  Proceeding  by  the  way  of  China  and  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  they  at  length  reached  England,  afttr  an 
absence  of  four  years  and  three  months. 


n  consequence 
in  object  which 
We  shall  not 
at  followed  this 
tdd,  therefore, 
to  the  polar  re- 
northwest  pas- 
fruitless  as  had 
heir  homeward 
1  and  the  Cape 
gland,  afltr  an 


mm 


Mv' 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

Return  to  America — Interview  with  his  Mother — Rc«- 
dence  at  Hartford — Unsuccessful  project  of  a  voyage  to 
the  North-west  Coast —  Voyage  to  S^ain — Repairs  to 
France. 

1.  Our  last  chapter  concluded  with  the  return  of  Led- 
yard  to  England.  How  grateful  must  he  have  been  to 
have  escaped  the  dangers  of  so  long  a  voyage,  and  again 
to  find  himself  in  a  land  of  civilization  and  refinement. 
Two  years  from  this  date  he  was  still  in  the  British 
navy.    How  he  had  been  eiiiployed  we  are  not  informed. 


62 


JOHN   LKDYARD. 


Ho  had  been  repeatedly  solicited  to  go  to  America,  on 
board  a  man-of-war ;  but  to  this  he  would  not  consent. 
The  war  of  the  revolution  was  stiN  going  oi  md  it  was 
not  in  him  to  take  up  arms  against  his  couii  y. 

2.  At  length,  however,  in  December,  1782,  Ledyard 
arrived  in  Huntington  Bay,  Long-Island  Sound,  on  board 
a  British  man-of-war.  Soliciting  a  furlough  of  seven 
days,  he  hastened  to  visit  his  mother  who  was  still  living 
at  Southold,  on  the  island.  With  what  sentiments  he 
approached  her  residence,  we  will  not  pretend  to  say. 
On  entering,  he  found  his  mother  occupied  in  keeping 
a  boarding-house,  for  British  officers.  Without  making 
himself  known  he  solicited  to  be  received  as  a  boarder, 
and  was  accordingly  shown  to  a  room.  '  Having  changed 
his  dress  he  repaired  to  the  sitting-room,  and  without 
addressing  himself  to  any  one,  he  took  a  seat  near  the 
fire.  His  mother  frequently  cast  her  eye  towards  him, 
but  she  recognized  hira  not.  There  was  something, 
however,  in  his  expression,  which  still  attracted  her  at- 
tention. She  thought  of  her  absent  son.  She  was  sure 
that  the  stranger  resembled  him.  Her  curiosity  became 
still  more  alive.  At  lengtli,  she  could  endure  suspense 
no  longer.    She  felt  fpr  her  spectacles,  which  having 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


to  America,  on 
Id  not  consent. 

on  and  it  was 
uii  .y. 

1782,  Ledyard 
iound,on  board 
ough  of  seven 
>  was  still  living 

sentiments  he 
fotfiul  to  say. 
ied  in  keeping 
Vitiiout  making 
1  as  a  boarder, 
laving  changed 
n,  and  without 
1  seat  near  the 
3  towards  him, 
vas  something, 
tracted  her  at- 

She  was  sure 
iriosity  became 
(idure  suspense 

which  having 


adjusted,  she  approached  the  still  silent  stranger,  and 
begged  his  pardon  ;  but  she  had  a  son  who  had  now  beei; 
absent  eight  years,  and  whom  he  strongly  resembled. 
The  gaze  of  his  mother  caused  a  glow  of  fdial  affection 
to  appear  on  his  countenance.  He  could  resist  his  feel- 
ings no  longer,  and  the  happy  disclosure  immediately 
followed.  Their  mutual  joy  may  be  conceived,  but  we 
will  not  attempt  to  describe  it. 

3.  Before  the  furlough  of  Ledyard  had  ended,  he  \e(t 
his  mother,  and  not  wishing  again  to  enter  the  British 
service,  he  proceeded  to  Hartford,  by  the  way  of  New- 
London  and  Groton.  At  these  latter  places,  he  was 
cordially  welcomed  by  his  early  friends,  and  on  reaching 
Hartford  was  hospitably  received  by  his  uncle,  Mr. 
Seymour.  This  was  a  pleasant  period  of  his  life.  He 
had  been  a  wanderer  for  ten  long  years  and  had  visited 
the  remotest  quarters  of  the  globe.  Rest  was  now  pleas- 
ant even  to  the  restless  spirit  of  Ledyard.  He  continued 
at  his  uncle's  during  the  winter,  in  which  tiine  he  wrote 
the  journal  of  Cook's  Voyage. 

4.  On  the  return  of  spring  he  was  no  longer  ti'i)'  ic;  u.U 
His  spirit  of  adventure  igain  stirred  within  him.  The 
project  of  a  voyage  to  the  Pacific  Ocean  for  commercial 


J 


64 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


purposes  was  started  by  his  zealous  mind,  and  within  a 
few  days  he  was  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia  to  put  it  ia 
execution.  He  had  indeed  suggested  his  plan  to  several 
merchants  in  New- York,  as  he  now  did  to  others  in 
Philadelphia.  But  at  this  time,  even  the  enterprising 
American  merchants  were  unprepared  to  forward  his 
views.  No  merchant  ships  had  yet  sailed  to  thp  North- 
west Coast,  and  it  yet  looked  too  much  like  speculation  to 
attempt  opening  a  commercial  intercourse  with  a  country 
so  distant  and  as  yet  unexplored. 

5.  At  length,  however,  ne  made  known  his  wishee  to 
the  enterprising  Robert  Morris.  This  gendeman  listened 
to  his  recital  and  to  his  plans.  Morris  ;.ith  his  charac- 
teristic liberality  offered  to  furnish  the  outfits  of  a  voyage. 
Accordingly,  a  plan  was  drawn  up,  and  a  suitable  vessel 
sought  for.  Finding  none  at  Philadelphia,  Ledyard  was 
despatched  to  Boston,  where  he  procured  one ;  but  for 
some  cause  not  now  knouTi,  she  was  sent  upon  a  different 
voyage.  A  second  and  a  third  vessel  were  afterwards 
'^irocured,  and  we  may  add  a  fourth ;  but,  for  various 
reasons,  their  destination  was  also  changed,  and,  at  length 
the  voyage  was  altogether  abandoned.  ^ 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


65 


id,  and  within  a 
phia  to  put  it  ia 
is  plan  to  several 
id  to  others  in 
the  enterprising 
to  forward  his 
3d  to  thp  Ncrth- 
ke  speculation  to 
e  with  a  country 

m  his  wishee  to 
indeman  listened 
.ith  his  charac- 
tfits  of  a  voyage, 
a  suitable  vessel 
ia,  Ledyard  was 
3d  one ;  but  for 
upon  a  different 
were  afterwards 
but,  for  various 
d,  and,  at  length 


G.  Although  abandoned  by  Mr.  Morris,  it  was  far  from 
being  relinquished  by  Ledyard  himself.  He  next  re- 
paired to  New-London,  and  unfolded  his  plan  to  Captain 
Deshon,  a  nephew  of  the  gentleman  with  whom  he  had 
made,  while  a  youth,  a  voyage  to  Gibraltar.  Although 
desirous  of  gratifying  Ledyard,  Captain  Deshon  felt  it  to 
be  the  dictate  of  prudence  to  decline  the  project.  Yet 
this  he  aftei-wards  regretted,  since,  at  a  future  day,  the 
anticipations  of  Ledyard  were  fullj'^  realized  by  those 
who  made  the  first  voyage  to  the  north-west  coast. 

7.  Thus  disappointed  at  home,  Ledyard  determined 
upon  a  voyage  to  Europe,  hoping  there  to  meet  with 
better  success.  Finding  a  vessel  bound  to  Cadiz,  in 
Spain,  he  took  passage  for  that  place,  whence,  after- 
several  vexatious  delays,  he  proceeded  to  L'Orient. 
He  had  been  recommended  to  several  enterprising 
merchants,  residing  at  this  place.  He  was  well  received ; 
and  within  twelve  days  of  his  arrival,  a  company  of  mer- 
chants was  called,  a  plan  agreed  upon,  and  a  ship  selected 
for  the  intended  voyage.  A  bright  prospect  now  opened 
before  Ledyard.  He  had  often  met  with  cruel  disap- 
pointments; but  now  he  had  reason  to  hope  for  the 

fulfilment  of  his  wishes.  . 

5 


66 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


8.  It  being  October,  the  merchants,  upon  reflection, 
concluded  it  to  be  expedient  to  postpone  the  sailing  of 
the  vessel  until  the  following  summer.  This  was  quite 
a  disappointment  to  Ledyard,  but  he  had  nothing  to  do 
but  to  wait  with  patience  for  the  flight  of  time.  As  he 
had  access  to  the  agreeable  and  intelligent  society  of 
L'Orient,  and  a  liberal  income  from  the  mercantile 
company,  the  winter  was  spent  not  unpleasantly.  In 
February  active  preparations  were  commenced  for 
equipping  the  vessel.  Ledyard  saw  these  going  forward 
with  no  ordinary  joy.  The  vessel  was  a  fine  ship  of 
four  hundred  tons,  and  by  August  he  should  spread  her 
canvass  on  the  ocean.  With  these  anticipations,  he 
addressed  un  affectionate  letter  of  adieu  to  his  brothers 
in  America,  in  which,  commending  them  and  his  other 
friends  to  God,  he  bid  them  farewell,  should  he  be 
permitted  to  see  them  no  mote. 

9.  The  cup  of  Ledyard's  diseppointment  was  not  yet 
full.  The  expedition  failed ;  but  of  the  causes  of  its 
failure,  we  are  ignorant.  Disappointed  and  mortified, 
his  purse  exhausted,  his  purpose  bafBed,  his  zeal  wasted, 
what  could  he  now  do  ?  For  a  time  he  sat  down  truly 
afflicted  and  despondent.    Again  he  bethought  himself. 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


67 


ion  reflection, 
the  sailing  of 
his  was  quite 
nothing  to  do 
time.  As  he 
!nt  society  of 
le  mercantile 
leasantly.  In 
mmenced  for 
going  forward 
I  fine  ship  of 
lid  spread  her 
icipations,  he 
0  his  brothers 
and  his  other 
should  be  be 

at  was  not  yet 
causes  of  its 
md  mortified, 
is  zeal  wasted, 
iat  down  truly 
mght  himself. 


again  he  cast  his  eye  around  for  light  to  break  in  from 
some  other  quarter.  At  length,  he  directed  his  attention 
to  Paris,  and  to  that  capital  he  now  hastened,  where  we 
shall  leave  him  till  the  next  chapter. 


/I- 


Mi 


«a»e**'J 


miMMirTmrirT 


I! 


I!       I 


68 


JOHW    LEDYARD. 


CHAPTER   IX. 

Interview  with  Mr.  Jefferton — Plan  conceived  with  the 
celebrated  Paul  Jones — Projects  a  Tour  by  Land  to  the 
North-West  Coast  by  the  way  of  Kamschaika — Invited 
to  accompany  an  Expedition  from  London — Cause  of 
its  Failure. 

1.  Our  last  chapter  concluded  with  the  sad  and  unex- 
pected failure  of  Ledyard's  plan,  and  with  it  his  equally 
unexpected  journey  to  Paris.  On  his  arrival,  he  intro- 
duced himself  to  Mr.  Jefferson,  at  that  time  minister  from 
the  United  States  to  the  court  of  France.     On  commu- 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


69 


?ived  with  the 
^y  Land  to  the 
\atka — Invited 
'on — Cause  of 

sad  and  unex- 
I  it  his  equally 
ival,  he  intro- 
!  minister  from 
On  commu- 


nicating to  that  gentleman  his  object,  the  latter  expressed 
himself  friendly  to  the  enterprise,  and  tendered  his 
assistance  to  the  extent  of  his  power. 

2.  Within  a  few  days  Ledyard  met  with  the  celebrated 
Paul  Jones,  at  this  time  in  France,  for  the  purpose  of 
obtaining  money  due  for  several  prizes  which  he  had 
taken  during  the  war.  Jones  entered  with  great  zeal 
into  the  views  of  Ledyard,  and  an  arrangement  was  soon 
closed,  by  which  they  agreed  to  unite  in  an  expedition, 
the  expense  of  which,  if  not  borne  by  the  English 
government,  should  be  defrayed  by  Jones's  private  re- 
sources. 

-''  3.  The  imagination  of  Ledyard  again  took  wing. 
His  wishes  could  now  scarcely  fail  of  being  accomplished. 
He  delighted  in  hazard  and  adventure  :  he  had  now  a 
prospect  of  riiese,  and  of  fame  and  profit  in  addition. 
At  the  moment  of  advancing  money  for  the  necessary 
outfit,  Jones  was  called  to  L'Orient,  where  he  was 
detained  for  three  months.  In  the  mean  time  his  ardour 
cooled,  and  when  he  next  met  Ledyard,  it  was  only  to 
tell  him  that  he  could  not  carry  the  contemplated  plan 
into  execution.  This  intelligence  was  as  unexpected 
as  unwelcome. 


# 


JOHN  LEDYARD. 


4.  An  ordinary  mind  would  have  sunlc  under  the 
pressure  of  so  many  repeated  disappointments.  Ledyard 
was  indeed  depressed  ;  yet  he  could  rouse  himself  to 
hope,  and  now  sustained  his  spirits  by  still  looking 
forward  to  better  days.  As  a  last  expedient,  he  submit- 
ted the  plan  to  several  merchants  of  Paris,  who  formed 
a  company,  and  made  some  progress  towaids  the  intended 
voyage.  But  at  length  thd  blast  of  an  ill  fortune  swept 
along,  and  again  annihilated  the  fond  expectations  of 
Ledyard.  After  a  lapse  of  five  months,  he  found  himself 
no  nearer  the  accomplishment  of  his  purpose,  than  when 
it  was  first  conceived.  It  was  a  gratification  to  Ledyard, 
however,  during  his  painful  solicitude,  to  enjoy  the  com- 
pany of  such  distinguished  men  as  Jefierson,  Barclay,  and 
General  La  Fayette. 

5.  The  prospect  of  accomplishing  his  favourite  plan 
was  now  ended.  He  had  laboured,  but  laboured  in  vain. 
At  this  time,  he  turned  his  thoughts  to  another  plan, 
which  was  to  travel  by  land  through  the  northern  regions 
of  Europe  and  Asia,  and  passing  Bering's  Strait  to  the 
American  continent ;  whence,  having  surveyed  the  coast, 
to  return  home  across  the  country.  This  being  deter- 
mined upon,  his  first  object  was  to  obtain  permission  of 


JOHN   LEDYARU. 


71 


ik  under  the 
ts.  Ledyard 
le  himself  to 
still  looking 
It,  he  submit- 
,  who  formed 
t  the  intended 
fortune  swept 
pectations  of 
found  himself 
e,  than  when 
1  to  Ledyard, 
jjoy  the  corn- 
Barclay,  and 

Eivourite  plan 
3ured  in  vain, 
another  plan, 
rthern  regions 
Strait  to  the 
'ed  the  coast, 
being  deter- 
permission  of 


the  Empress  of  Russia  to  pass  through  her  dominions, 
by  the  way  of  Kamtschatka.  This  permission  Mr. 
Jefferson  undertook  to  obtain,  through  the  Russian  minis- 
ter at  the  court  of  Fran«e.  This  would  require  some 
months,  and  Ledyard  had  only  to  wait  with  patience  the 
arrival  of  his  passport. 

6.  While  waiting  in  Paris  for  the  above,  he  received 
intelligence  of  a  peculiarly  pleasing  nature.  This  was  no 
other  than  that  an  expedition  was  about  sailing  for  the 
Pacific  Ocean,  and  that  he  was  requested  to  accompany 
it.  He  accordingly  hastened  to  London,  where  he  found 
a  ship  in  complete  readiness  to  sail.  He  was  offered  a 
passage  free,  accompanied  with  the  promise  that  he 
should  be  set  on  shore  at  any  point  on  the  north-v\rest 
coast  he  might  name.  Ledyard  readily  accepted  the 
proposal.  It  added  not  a  litde  to  his  pleasure  that  one 
of  Cook's  officers  was  to  be  a  companion  of  his  voyage. 

7.  Having  provided  himself  with  two  dogs,  an  Indian 
pipe,  and  a  hatchet — ^his  only  outfit,  he  repaired  on 
board,  soon  after  which  the  vessel  put  to  sea.  This  was 
a  moment  of  great  exultation  to  Ledyard.  He  was  no 
longer  planning,  but  was  executing ;  no  longer  contriving 
means  to  go— he  was  already  under  sail.    Alas !  how 


72 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


uncertain  are  all  human  expectations.  Scarcely  was  the 
vessel  under  way,  and  while  not  yet  out  of  the  sight  of 
land,  orders  were  received  for  her  immediate  return. 
Accordingly  the  direction  was^changed  ;  the  vessel  was 
moored  along  side  of  a  London  dock,  and  the  project 
abandoned.  We  shall  not  attempt  a  description  of 
Ledyard's  feelings,  but  content  ourselves  with  recording 
his  emphatic  language  soon  after  he  left  the  ship :  «  For- 
titude! adieu!" 


n 
h 
a 
tl 

r 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


•cely  was  the 
the  sight  of 
liate  return. 
I  vessel  was 
the  project 
scription  of 
h  recording 
hip:  "For- 


Siberian  Tour — Proceeds  to  Hamburg — Copenhagen — 
IntcrvieiD  with  Major  Langhorn — Stockholm — Peters- 
burg— Departure  for  Kamschatka — Incidents  on  the 

s    Journey. 

1.  Our  last  chapter  concluded  with  the  grievous  dis- 
appointment of  Ledyard  in  not  being  able  to  prosecute 
his  voyage  to  the  Pacific.  On  his  return  to  London,  he 
again  began  to  make  preparations  for  his  land  tour  through 
the  Russian  Empire  to  Kamschatka,  and  thence  to 


Nootka  Sound.  ^,„.„„„, 


liH 


JAiii 


limmmmM 


m 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


2.  In  a  few  weeks  he  left  England,  and  we  next  meet 
with  him  of  Hamburg,  on  the  river  Elbe.  This  is  a 
German  city  of  Lower  Saxony,  448  miles  north-east  of 
London.  It  is  far  from  being  elegant  in  its  appearance. 
The  streets  are  narrow,  crooked,  and  irregular  ;  yet  it  is 
a  place  of  great  trade,  being  well  situated  for  that  purpose, 
on  the  north  bank  of  the  Elbe.  Before  the  French 
revolution,  it  ranked  as  the  third  city  in  Europe. 

3.  While  at  Hamburg,  Ledyard  heard  of  Major 
Langhorn,  an  American  officer,  a  very  eccenuic  man, 
who  was  travelling  the  country  much  in  the  same  style  witli 
Ledyard  himself.  He  had  been  at  Hamburg,  but  was 
now  at  Copenhagen.  Thither  Ledyard  determined  to 
proceed,  and  if  possible  to  secure  the  company  of  Lang- 
horn  on  his  contemplated  tour. 

4.  On  reaching  Copenhagen,  the  capital  of  Denmark, 
170  miles  north-east  of  Hamburg,  Ledyard  found  Lang- 
horn,  but  in  circumstances  which  deeply  interested  his 
feelings.  He  was  without  money,  without  decent  apparel ; 
and  more  tiian  all,  without  friends.  Although  our 
traveller  had  not  ten  guineas  in  the  world,  and  knew  not 
by  what  means  he  could  replenish  his  purse,  when  the 
little  he  had  was  expended,  he  generously  administered 


-Assaestsr^ 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


t5 


1  we  next  meet 
be.  This  is  a 
es  north-east  of 
its  appearance, 
gular  ;  yet  it  is 
>r  that  purpose, 
■e  the  French 
lurope. 

ard  of  Major 
ccentiic  man, 
same  style  witli 
iburg,  but  was 
determined  to 
pany  of  Lang- 

1  of  Denmark, 
1  found  Lang- 
interested  his 
Bcent  apparel ; 
Although  our 
and  knew  not 
rse,  when  the 
'  administered 


to  the  wants  of  his  new  friend,  and  even  felt  happy 
though  his  money  was  gone. 

5.  Ledyard,  at  length,  opened  his  plan  to  Langhorn, 
and  proposed  that  he  should  accompany  him  through  the 
wilds  of  Siberia.  "  No,"  replied  Langhorn,  "  much  as  1 
esteem  you,  I  cannot  travel  with  you  :  I  can  travel  with 
no  man  on  earth."  This  was  abrupt;  and  though  not 
intended,  was  apparently  unkind  towards  so  liberal  a 
benefactor  as  Ledyard  had  been.  These  friends  now 
separated  with  mutual  good  feelings;  and  Ledyard  having 
procured  a  small. sum  of  money  of  a  merchant  to  be 
refunded  by  a  friend  in  England,  proceeded  diroctly  to 
Stockholm.  •* 

6.  Slofckholm  lies  300  miles  north-east  of  Copenhagen, 
and  is  the  capital  of  Sweden.  It  is  chiefly  built  on  three 
islands.  Its  population  is  from  eighty  to  a  hundred  thou- 
sand. Its  harbour  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  world,  being 
of  sufficient  depth  and  capacity  to  contain  one  thousand 
vessels. 

7.  The  next  object  of  Ledyard  was  to  reach  Peters- 
burg, 400  miles  to  the  east  of  Stockhohn.  The  route 
in  the  summer  season  lies  across  the  Gulf  of  Botluiia  to 
Abo,  in  Finland.    The  same  route  is  pursued  in  winter, 


76 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


when  the  sea  is  snflicicntly  frozen  to  ndmit  the  nns.nee 
of  sledges  on  the  ice.  Although  now  the  latter  part  of 
Jpnuary,  tiie  ice  presented  no  safe  conveyanrc,  and  yet 
It  efleetually  impeded  ail  navigation.  The  only  alterna- 
tive therefore  presented  to  Ledyard  was,  either  to  wait 
at  Stockholm  till  the  opening  of  the  spring,  or  to  travel 
around  the  Gulf  of  BotJmia  to  Lapland,  and  thence  to 
Petersburg,  a  distance  of  twelve  hundred  miles. 

8.  He  was  not  long  in  determining  to  take  this  latter 
course.  Accordingly,  in  the  depth  of  winter—on  foot- 
without  a  companion,  and  without  a  friend— he  took  up 
his  long  march  by  the  wayof  Tornea  in  Finland,  whence 
he  proceeded  to  Petersburg,  where  he  arrived  before  the 
twentieth  of  March,  having  travelled  amidst  snows  and 
storms  about  two  hundred  miles  a  week. 

9.  Petersburg,  where  Ledyard  now  found  himself,  is 
at  this  time  one  of  the  most  beautiful  cities  in  Europe. 
It  is  situated  at  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  Gulf  of  Fin- 
land, near  the  mouth  of  the  river  Neva.  The  city  was 
founded  by  Peter  the  Great.  Previous  to  the  year  1703, 
the  spot  on  which  it  is  built  contained  only  two  huts.  It 
now  contains  more  than  three  hundred  thousand  inha- 
bitants, and  the  general  elegance  of  its  buildings  surpasses 
every  other  city  in  Europe. 


to 
c> 

fo 
fo 
Ui 
bi 

hi 
ni 
E 
di 
re 

a 

F 


P 
tl 


t  the  pnssngc 
latter  part  of 
mrc,  and  yet 
!  only  alternn- 
!ither  to  wait 
,  or  to  travel 
nrJ  llience  to 
niles. 

ke  this  latter 
?r — on  foot — 
—he  took  up 
iland,  whence 
ed  before  the 
It  snows  and 

d  himself,  is 
in  Europe. 
Gulf  of  Fin- 
rhe  city  was 
e  year  1703, 
wo  huts.  It 
lusand  inha- 
igs  surpasses 


JOHN    LEDYARO 


77 


10.  On  reaching  Petersburg,  Ledyard  learned,  much 
to  his  regret,  tiiat  tlic  Empress  was  absent,  and  was  not 
expected  to  return  until  late  in  the  spring.  Here,  there- 
fore, he  was  obliged  to  wait,  until  a  passport  could  be 
forwarded  to  her  and  returned.  This  ho  received  about 
tlie  middle  of  May,  and  on  the  first  of  June  left  Peters- 
burg for  Kamsclmtka,  a  distance  of  seven  thousand  miles. 

1 1 .  It  was  fortunate  for  Ledyard  that,  on  the  eve  of 
his  departure,  he  was  introduced  to  a  gentleman  by  the 
name  of  Brown,  who,  under  a  commission  from  the 
Empress,  was  proceeding  to  the  province  of  Kolyvan,  a 
distance  of  more  than  three  thousand  miles,  and  on  the 
route  which  Ledyard  would  take.  Brown  invited  Led- 
yard to  be  his  companion.  This  invitation  wn.s  gladly 
accepted,  both  as  he  would  be  able  to  travel  with  much 
greater  expedition,  and  at  the  public  expense.  Leaving 
Petersburg,  as  already  intimated,  the  party  directed  their 
course  towards  Moscow,  350  miles  south-east,  at  which 
place  they  arrived  in  six  days.  Moscow  was  formerly 
the  capital  of  the  Kussian  Empire  ;  but  has  given  place 
in  this  respect  to  the  more  splendid  city  of  Petersburg. 

12.  From  Moscow  their  route  lay  east  to  Kazan,  on 
the  right  bank  of  the  Wolga.     Kazan  is  a  city  containing 


78 


JOHN  ledyard; 


about  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  and  is  the  capital  of  a 
government  to  which  it  gives  name.  To  this  place, 
which  according  to  Ledyard  is  550  miles  from  Moscow, 
they  travelled  in  a  IGbitka,  drawn  by  three  horses.  This 
is  a  kind  of  vehicle  so  arranged  as  to  form  a  kind  of 
home,  being  fitted  with  the  apparatus  necessary  for 
living  upon  the  road. 

13.  Having  staid  a  week  at  Kazan,  our  travellers  pro- 
ceeded on  their  journey,  and  crossing  the  Ural  Moun- 
tains, arrived  on  the  1 1th  of  July  at  Tobolsk,  a  city  of 
considerable  interest,  and  once  the  capital  of  all  Siberia. 
It  stands  at  the  junction  of  two  large  rivers,  Tobol  and 
Irtish,  and  is  not  far  from  one  thousand  miles  east-by- 
north  from  Moscow. 

14.  Our  travellers  remained  at  Tobolsk  but  three  days, 
and  then  continued  their  journey  to  Barnaoul,  in  the 
province  of  Kolyvan,  famous  for  its  mines  of  copper, 
silver,  and  gold.  At  this  place,  Ledyard  was  to  leave 
Dr.  Brown,  and  proceed  alone.  Again,  however,  he 
was  so  fortunate  as  to  have  offered  to  him  a  seat  with  the 
courier,  who  had  charge  of  the  -nail.  Having  taken  an 
affectionate  leave  of  Dr.  Brown,  for  whom  he  seems  to 
have  contracted  a  sincere  esteem,  he  mounted  his  seat 


he  capital  of  a 
fo  this  place, 
from  Moscow, 
horses.  This 
)rm  a  kind  of 
necessary  for 

travellers  pro- 
3  Ural  Moun- 
olsk,  a  city  of 
of  all  Siberia. 
rs,  Tobol  and 
niles  east-by- 

»ut  three  days, 
'naoul,  in  the 
Bs  of  copper, 
was  to  leave 
however,  he 
,  seat  with  the 
ving  taken  an 
n  he  seems  to 
inted  his  seat 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


79 


in  the  kibitka,  and  in  two  days  and  three  nights  found 
himself  at  Tomsk,  a  distance  of  about  300  miles.  Here 
they  were  detained  several  days  waiting  for  a  mail,  that 
was  coming  by  another  route  from  Tobolsk.  That  hav- 
ing arrived,  our  travellers  continued  their  journey,  and 
in  ten  days  reached  Irkutsk  in  safety,,  although  they  had 
broken  and  upset  several  kibitkas,  in  consequence  of 
their  rapid  passage  over  a  wild  and  ragged  country. 
The  journey  was  rendered  still  more  unpleasant  by 
swarms  of  musquitoes  which  continually  infested  them, 
and  by  a  powerful  rain  which  drenched  them  for  the 
space  of  forty-eight  hours. 

15.  Irkutsk  is  the  capital  of  a  government  to  which  it 
gives  name;  It  stands  on  the  river  Angara,  which  rises 
in  the  Lake  Baikal.  When  Ledyard  visited  the  place, 
the  city  contained  about  twelve  thousand  inhabitants. 
Since  that  period  they  have  much  increased,  and  the 
place  is  now  one  of  greater  commercial  importance  than 
any  other  in  Siberia. 

16.  While  detained  at  this  place,  waiting  for  the  post, 
Ledyard  made  a  visit  to  the  celebrated  Lake  Baikal. 
The  length  of  this  lake  is  supposed  to  be  360  miles,  and 
its  breadth  from  20  to  53.,    More  tliw  a  hundred  apd 


i 


80 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


sixty  Streams  of  various  sizes  discharge  their  waters  into 
this  lake ;  and  yet  it  has  but  a  single  outlet,  wiiich  is  less 
than  a  mile  in  breadth.  By  what  means  the  immense 
quantity  of  water  thus  poured  into  the  lake  is  discharged, 
is  quite  uncertain.  By  some,  it  is  conjectured  that 
there  exists  an  internal  communication  between  the  lake 
and  tlie  ocean.  The  water  of  the  lake  is  fresh,  but  so 
deep  that  no  sounding  line  has  ever  reached  the  bottom. 
In  tliis  lake  is  found  the  sea  dog,  a  fish  which  belongs  to 
the  ocean,  and  which  seldom  enters  rivers  even  for  a 
small  distance.  How  it  should  have  reached  a  fresh 
water  lake,  at  least  three  thousand  miles  from  the  ocean, 
has  never  been  satisfactorily  explained.  "Nothing," 
says  a  ^vriter,  "  can  be  conceived  more  interesting  and 
magnificent  than  this  lake.  Those  who  have  visited  it, 
seem  at  a  loss  for  language  adequate  to  describe  the  feel- 
ings which  it  excites,  when  first  beheld.  It  is  inclosed 
by  rugged  mountains,  and  the  sublime  scenery  around 
strikes  every  beholder  with  astonishment  and  awe.  At 
some  seasons,  it  is  so  agitated  by  violent  storms,  that  in 
the  tremendous  roaring  of  its  billows  it  equals  the  mighty 
ocean ;  while  at  others,  the  clearness  of  its  unruflSed 
bosom  emulates  tlje  lustre  of  the  finest  mirror." 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


81 


ir  waters  into 
,  wiiich  is  less 
the  immense 
is  discharged, 
ijectured  that 
men  the  lake 

fresh,  but  so 
d  the  bottom, 
ich  belongs  to 
rs  even  for  a 
iched  a  fresh 
)m  the  ocean, 

"  Nothing," 
iteresting  and 
ave  visited  it, 
cribe  the  feel- 
It  is  inclosed 
enery  around 
,nd  awe.  At 
torms,  that  in 
lis  the  mighty 

its  unruffled 
ror."  w.:^..; . 


17.  On  the  twenty-sixth  of  August,  Ledyard  left  Ir- 
kutsk on  his  journey  northward  ;  and  at  the  distance  of 
one  hundred  and  fifty  miles,  embarked  on  the  river  Lena 
in  company  with  a  Swedish  officer,  with  the  intention  of 
floating  down  its  current  to  Yakutsk.  Their  boat  was 
an  open  one,  and  had  few  accommodations.  After  a 
fatiguing  voyage  of  twenty-two  days,  in  which  dme  they 
had  passed  over  fourteen  hundred  miles,  they  arrived  at 
their  place  of  destination.  Ahhough  only  the  eighteenth 
of  September  when  they  arrived,  the  ground  was  covered 
with  snow,  and  the  rigours  of  a  polar  winter  had  com- 
menced— a  great  transition  from  the  climate,  which  was 
that  of  summer,  which  they  left  belund  them  at  Irkutsk. 


m 


'V%t»^4  ^;^W»  vrtat^f ■- '  .rO-iiMmym  jiji'-^i^fji  .■'\ 


I   ■' 


JOHN    LEDYARD. 


^  CHAPTER   XI. 

Siberian  Tour — Yakutsk — Meets  with  an  old  Friend — 
Return  to  Irkutsk — is  arrested  as  a  French  Spy — order- 
ed to  leave  the  Russian  Empire — Returns  to  Londott. 

1.  It  was  now  Ledyard's  wish  to  proceed  as  soon  as 
possible  to  Okotsk,  a  port  situated  on  the  Ochota,  from 
which  vessels  sailed  to  Kamschatka,  and  distant  from 
Yakutsk  between  six  and  seven  hundred  miles.  This 
expedition  was  the  more  necessary,  as  winter  would  soon 
render  tlie  journey  impossible.     While  making  prepara- 


M  Friend — 
Spy — order- 
j  to  London. 

i  as  soon  as 
)chota,  from 
distant  from 
miles.  This 
!r  would  soon 
cing  prepara- 


iw#M*WMMilMMMi«paU*H 


^>j»iit<>»^i^*»V» 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


^ 


tions,  he  was  informed  that  it  was  already  impracticable. 
This  was  a  grievous  disappointn;ent  to  Ledyard;  but 
reconciling  himself  as  well  as  he  was  able  to  his  fate,  he 
determined  to  make  the  best  use  of  his  time,  in  gathering 
information  respecting  the  country  in  which  he  was  to 
tak*.  up  his  winter  abode. 

2.  We  shall  not  detain  our  readers  with  the  result  of 
his  inquiries,  although  his  journal  contains  much  that  is 
interesting,  curious,  and  instructive. 

3.  At  the  expiration  of  two  months  from  hia  arrival  at 
Yakutsk,  he  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting  with  Captain 
Billings,  who  had  just  arrived  from  an  expedition  to  the 
river  Kolyma  and  the  Frozen  Ocean.  During  Led- 
yard's  voyage  round  the  world  with  Captain  Cooke,  he 
had  become  acquainted  with  Billings,  who  served  during 
that  expedition  as  assistant  astronomer.  The  meeting 
was  grateful  to  both,  and  here  they  spent  five  weeks 
together  much  to  their  satisfaction. 

4.  At  this  time  Captain  Billings  invited  Ledyard  to 
accompany  him  to  Irkutsk,  whither  it  was  needful  for 
him  to  repair  before  he  set  out  on  his  return  to  Okotsk. 
As  this  would  not  be  until  spring,  and  as  Ledyard  de- 
signed to  accompany  Captain  Billings  at  that  time,  he 


rtHlillii 


t&min^^ 


in  JOHN   LEDYARD. 

accepted  the  invitation.  The  river  Lena  being  now 
frozen,  they  travelled  upon  sledges  on  that ;  and  with  such 
speed  did  they  perform  the  hxunny,  that  in  seventeen 
days  they  found  themselves  ac  Irkutsk,  a  distance  of  be- 
tween fourteen  and  fifteen  hundred  miles. 

5.  Here  a  new  misfortune  awaited  our  traveller.  By 
an  order  of  the  Empress  of  Russia,  which  was  forwarded 
to  this  placp,  he  was  seized  as  o  French  spy ;  and  under 
the  conduct  of  two  guards  was  whh  the  greatest  expe- 
dition, and  in  the  midst  of  a  Siberian  winter,  hurried 
forward  towards  Moscow.  From  this  latter  place  he 
was  conducted  into  Poland,  where  he  was  left  to  dispose 
of  himself  as  he  pleased — with  a  strict  injunction,  however, 
not  to  return  to  the  dominions  of  the  Empress,  upon 
penalty  of  being  hanged. 

6.  This  sudden  and  peremptory  recal  of  Ledyard  by 
the  Empress,  after  having  received  her  royal  passport, 
may  well  appear  surprising.  Various  conjectures  as  to 
her  motives  have  existed.  Her  avowed  pretence  was  a 
humane  one:  that  she  would  not  be  accessary  to  the 
death  of  so  brave  a  man,  attempting  a  journey  through 
regions  so  remote  and  inhospitable,  and  aruong  savages 
<50  ba  harous  as  inhabited  the  north-western  coast.     But 


JOHN    LEDVARD. 


«6 


a  being  now 
ind  with  such 
in  seventeen 
stance  of  be- 

aveller.  By 
as  forwarded 
;  and  under 
•eatest  expe- 
nter,  hurried 
Iter  place  he 
eft  to  dispose 
ion,  liowever, 
npress,  upon 

Ledyard  by 
yal  passport, 
ectures  as  to 
etence  was  a 
sssary  to  tiie 
rney  through 
liong  savages 

coast.    Bu; 


.'** 


the  real  ground  of  his  recal  is  with  much  greater  reason 
supposed  to  have  been  the  jealousy  of  the  Russian- Ameri- 
can Fur  Company,  who  were  unwilling  that  a  foreigner 
should  survey  the  country,  and  publish  to  the  world  an 
account  of  his  discoveries  to  their  disadvantage.  Hence 
they  made  such  representations  to  the  Empress,  as  to  in- 
duce her  to  issue  her  royal  mandate  for  his  return. 

7.  Ledyard,  as  we  have  above  stated,  being  left  to 
himself  on  his  arrival  in  Poland,  took  the  shortest  route 
to  Koningsburg,  the  capital  of  Eastern  Russia.  His  con- 
dition was  now  truly  deplorable.  His  fond  hopes  were 
blasted,  and  he  had  no  longer  any  rational  prospect  of 
ever  being  able  to  accomplish  an  object  in  the  pursuit  of 
which  he  liad  spent  years  of  the  severest  toil.  Added  to 
this,  his  health  was  greatly  enfeebled  ;  and  he  now  found 
himself  without  a  single  friend  to  comfort  him,  or  to  fur- 
nish the  means  of  returning  to  London. 

8.  Fortunately,  however,  a  gentleman  agreed  to  ac- 
cept a  draft  for  five  guineas  upon  his  old  benefactor,  Sir 
Joseph  Banks ;  and  by  means  of  this  money  he  was  ena- 
bled to  reach  London,  after  an  absence  of  one  year  and 
five  months. 


r5^:*'v*-S^W-^' 


niLiMiJiiiiiilSiiJiiilii 


m- 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


CHAPTER   XII.  '    % 

Expedition  to  Africa— Proceeds  to  Paris— thence  to 
Marseilles— Sails  for  Egypt—Proceeds  to  Cairo— Ill- 
ness— Death — Character — Reflections. 

1.  Although  Ledyard  now  found  himself  in  the  soci- 
ety of  friends  and  acquaintance,  he  was  unhappy,  for  he 
had  no  object  in  view.  In  this  state,  Sir  Joseph  Banks  re- 
commended him  to  the  African  Association,  as  a  proper 
person  to  explore  the  interior  of  that  continent.  He  was 
accordingly  introduced  to  the  Board,  and  when  asked 
when  he  would  set  out,  replied,  with  his  characteristic 
promptness  and  decision,  «' To-morrow  morning."  It 
is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  the  Association  imme- 
diately took  him  into  their  service,  and  commenced  pre- 
parations for  his  departure  without  delay.  According 
to  his  instructions  he  was  first  to  repair  to  Egypt,  and 
travel  thence  across  the  continent  as  circumstances  should 
direct. 

2.  The  prospects  of  Ledyard  were  once  more  bright, 
and  he  did  not  conceal  the  satisfaction  which  he  felt,  in 


» — thence  to 
>  Cairo — HI- 

If  in  the  soci- 
appy,  for  he 
ph  Banks  re- 
,  as  a  proper 
nt.  He  was 
when  asked 
characteristic 
lorning."  It 
iation  imme- 
imenced  pre- 
According 
Egypt,  and 
tances  should 

more  bright, 
:h  he  felt,  in 


JOHN   LEDYARD.  iT 

being  thus  honourably  and  usefully  employed.  It  was  an 
enterprise,  he  well  knew,  in  which  he  must  suffer  hard- 
ships and  encounter  danger.  But  with  these  he  wa» 
already  familiar.  He  had  suffered  from  poverty,  and 
been  the  sport  of  a  strange  fortune.  He  had  suffered 
from  the  unkindness  and  jealousy  of  man — had  wandered 
through  inhospitable  climes,  a  stranger  and  a  beggar,  in 
want  by  day,  and  houseless  by  night ;  yet  his  heart  was 
still  strong ;  and  !"  view  of  his  African  expedition,  he 
seems  to  have  forgotten  all  previous  cares,  defeats,  and 
disasters. 

3.  On  the  thirtieth  of  June,  his  preparations  having 
been  completed,  he  left  London.  On  the  morning  of 
his  departure,  be  took  leave  of  the  secretary  of  the  Afri- 
can Association,  to  whom  he  said  :  "  I  am  accustomed  to 
hardships.  I  have  known  both  hunger  and  nakedness  lo 
the  utmost  extremity  of  human  suffering.  I  have  known 
what  it  is  to  have  food  given  me  as  charity  to  a  madman ; 
and  I  have  at  times  been  obliged  to  shelter  myself  under 
the  miseries  of  that  character,  to  avoid  a  heavier  calamity. 
My  distresses  have  been  greater  than  I  have  ever  owned, 
or  ever  will  own  to  any  man.  Such  evils  are  terrible  to 
bear ;  but  they  never  yet  had  power  to  turn  me  from  my 


- ^*-  .iM.li  n.ll«iii'lli(l].li;ilil  iiMliMfci:ilBWriiiii.i*i 


88 


JOHN   LEDYARD. 


purpose.  11  1  live,  1  will  fuiihfuUy  perform,  in  its  mmost 
extent,  my  engagement  lo  the  society;  and  if  I  perish  in 
the  attempt,  my  honour  will  still  be  safe,  for  death  cancek 

aU  bunds."  ,       „    . 

4.  On  leaving  London,  Ledyard  proceeded  to  1  ans, 
Ui«nce  to  Marseilles,  where  he  took  ship  for  Alexandria. 
From  this  last  place  he  pursued  his  journey  up  the  Nile 
to  Cairo,  where  ho  arrived  on  the  nineteen!  !i  of  Aupst. 
Here  it  was  his  intention  to  join  a  caravan,  with  which io 
travel  into  the  interior,  and  to  continue  with  it  to  the  end 
of  i'5  route.  It  was  not,  however,  until  the  expiration  of 
three  months,  that  he  found  a  caravan  going  to  Sennaar, 
whither  he  wished  to  direct  his  course.  He  had  engaged 
his  passage,  settled  the  terms,  and  already  the  dny  was 
fixed  on  which  he  was  to  leave  Cairo. 

5.  But  the  will  of  Heaven  was  otherwise.  This  was 
to  be  the  end  of  bis  earthly  travels— of  his  mortal  career. 
When  on  the  point  of  starting,  he  was  suddenly  seized 
with  a  bilious  complaint,  which  in  a  short  time  closed 
his  life  of  vicissitude  and  toil.  Thus,  at  the  early  age  of 
thirty-eight,  went  to  his  grave  John  Ledyard,  who  for 
originaliiy  of  genius,  for  courage  amidst  danger,  fortitude 
under  tvial,  and  resolution  under  defeat,  has  scarcely  a 
parallel  in  the  history  of  man. 


>.^ 


JOHN    LEDYARD 


¥ 


^,  in  its  utmost 
i  if  I  perish  in 
r  death  cancete 

3(ied  to  Paris, 
or  Alexandria. 
cy  up  the  Nile 
nth  of  Aupst. 
with  which  .to 
th  it  to  the  end 
e  expiration  of 
ng  to  Sennaar, 
le  had  engaged 
ly  the  day  was 

ise.  This  was 
1  mortal  career, 
iiddenly  seized 
>rt  time  closed 
he  early  age  of 
lyard,  who  for 
anger,  fortitude 
has  scarcely  a 


6.  We  cannot  better  close  our  account  of  nn- 
derful  man,  than  by  quoting  the  language  <>*  '> 
wrote  from  personal  knowledge.  "  To  those  wnu  navL- 
never  seen  Mr.  Ledyard,  it  may  not,  perhaps,  be  unin- 
teresting to  know,  that  his  person,  though  scarcely  ex- 
ceeding the  middle  size,  was  remarkably  expressive  of 
activity  and  strength  ;  and  that  his  manners,  though  un- 
polished, were  neither  uncivil  nor  unpleasing.  Little 
attentive  to  difference  of  rank,  he  seemed  to  consider  all 
men  as  his  equals,  and  as  such  he  respected  them.  His 
genius,  though  uncultivated  and  irregular,  was  original  and 
comprehensive.  Ardent  in  his  wishes,  yet  calm  in  his 
deliberation  ;  daring  in  his  purposes,  but  guarded  in  his 
measures ;  impatient  of  control,  yet  capable  ofj«trong  en- 
durance ;  adventurous  beyond  the  conception  of  ordinary 
men,  yet  wary  and  considerate,  and  attentive  to  all  pre- 
cautions— he  appeared  to  be  formed  by  nature  for  achieve- 
ments of  hardihood  and  peril." 

7.  It  will  only  be  added,  that  the  life  of  such  a  man  is 
not  without  its  use.  He  indeed  accomplished  few  of  the 
great  enterprises  which  he  planned  ;  but  it  was  not  his 
fault,  only  his  misfortune.  Why  he  was  thus  defeated  in 
respect  to  enterprises,  the  accomplishment  of  which 


■MHItil) 


mwiwiiiM 


-  irTrtr^TT-iMiiTinoir"fmr  i'"i'n  If  i 


90 


JOHN   LKDYARU 


r 


would  have  been  useful  to  the  world,  is  hidden  from  us. 
Nor  would  wo  vainly  inquire.     Perhaps  he  is  equally 
entitled  to  the  respect  of  mankind,  as  if  lie  had  accom- 
plished all.     To  hi.^  countrymen,  and  especially  to  the 
younger  part,  he  exhibited  traits  of  character  well  worthy 
their  imitation.     In  his  disposition  he  was  amiable ;  to 
his  benefactors  always  grateful ;  and  in  the  exhibition  of 
disinterestedness  had  few  equals.     With  his  decision, 
energy,  perseverance,  fortitude,  and  enterprise,  Hving  as 
they  do  '.n  better  times,  what  may  we  not  expect  under 
tVic  iiusp' :e.A  of  a  smiling  Providence  from  our  American 
ycuiii? 


U^ 


^   'f'V' '' 


r 


^ 


ildc'ii  from  us. 
lie  is  equally 
c  liaii  accom- 
i)cciQlly  to  tlie 
er  well  worthy 
is  omiable ;  tu 
e  exhibition  of 
his  decision, 
prise,  living  as 
t  expect  nnder 
I  our  American 


-ftM 


'■-'•:V 


'    '^l»k«^l 


^tmr^^v^y 


■Mij^^A>m'^i*im<»!^im!:* 


